VocabDictionary

prep

/prษ›p/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The action or process of making something ready for use or service, or of making oneself ready.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œA lot of prep goes into making a successful television broadcast.โ€
  • โ€œThe chef spent hours doing food prep before the restaurant opened.โ€
2.verb

To make something ready or suitable for a particular purpose; to prepare.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œWe need to prep the walls before we start painting them.โ€
  • โ€œThe surgeon began to prep the patient for the operation.โ€
3.adjective

Designating or relating to a preparatory school, or characteristic of the neat, traditional style of dress associated with such schools (preppy).

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œShe wore a classic prep outfit featuring a cable-knit sweater and loafers.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œprepโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Clipping of the word 'preparation' or 'preparatory', originating in the late 19th or early 20th century. It also historically derives from 'preparatory school' (a school preparing students for university).

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'prep' as short for 'preparation'โ€”just chop off the end!

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œprepโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œprepโ€ in English?

In English, prep (noun) is defined as: โ€œThe action or process of making something ready for use or service, or of making oneself ready.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œprepโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œA lot of prep goes into making a successful television broadcast.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œprepโ€?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œprepโ€?

Clipping of the word 'preparation' or 'preparatory', originating in the late 19th or early 20th century. It also historically derives from 'preparatory school' (a school preparing students for university).