Preparing vs. Preparation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 22, 2023
Preparing is the action of getting ready for something, while Preparation is the state or process involved in getting ready. Preparing is a verb, and Preparation is a noun that often describes the result of preparing.
Key Differences
Preparing is a verb that indicates the action or process of making something ready for use or consideration. It implies an ongoing, dynamic activity. Preparation, on the other hand, is a noun that refers to the state or process of being prepared, often encapsulating all the tasks and states that lead to readiness.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
When you are preparing for an exam, you are actively engaged in studying, reviewing material, and practicing. It's an active, continuous process. Preparation for an exam, however, could refer to your study plan, the books and materials you've arranged, and even your mental state leading up to the exam.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Preparing is often temporal and immediate. If someone says, "I am preparing dinner," it usually means that the activity is currently underway. Preparation, by contrast, can be far more long-term and strategic. For instance, the preparation for a vacation might include saving money for several months or even years in advance, booking flights, and making hotel reservations.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
In a recipe, "preparing the vegetables" would imply that you are currently washing, chopping, or cooking them. The "preparation of vegetables," however, could encompass the full range from sourcing the vegetables, to washing, to chopping, and may even include steps that you plan to execute later. Each word is distinct, but they often work in tandem to describe different aspects of readiness.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Preparing and Preparation Definitions
Preparing
Making ready for a specific purpose
She is preparing the room for the meeting.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
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Preparation
Study or training undertaken in advance
His strong exam scores were the result of good preparation.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
Preparation
The action or state of making something ready
The preparation of the meal took two hours.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Preparation
Planning or organization for future events
Her preparation for retirement started 10 years ago.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
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Preparation
The act or process of preparing
The preparation of dinner for six people.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparing
To make ready beforehand for a specific purpose, as for an event or occasion
The teacher prepared the students for the exams.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparing
To put together or make by combining various elements or ingredients; manufacture or compound
Prepared a meal.
Prepared the lecture.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
Often preparations An action done to prepare for something, especially for an event or undertaking
Preparations for the opening of the new school.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
A substance, such as a medicine, prepared for a particular purpose.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparing
(Music) To lead up to and soften (a dissonance or its impact) by means of preparation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
The anticipation of a dissonant tone by means of its introduction as a consonant tone in the preceding chord.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
(uncountable) The act of preparing or getting ready.
I went over my notes in preparation for the exam.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
A substance, especially a remedy, that is prepared.
The traditional remedy is a bitter preparation made from steamed herbs.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
(music) Any of the objects placed between the strings of a prepared piano.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
(music) The previous introduction, as an integral part of a chord, of a note continued into a succeeding dissonance.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
The act of preparing or fitting beforehand for a particular purpose, use, service, or condition; previous arrangement or adaptation; a making ready; as, the preparation of land for a crop of wheat; the preparation of troops for a campaign.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
The state of being prepared or made ready; preparedness; readiness; fitness; as, a nation in good preparation for war.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
That which makes ready, prepares the way, or introduces; a preparatory act or measure.
I will show what preparations there were in nature for this dissolution.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
That which is prepared, made, or compounded by a certain process or for a particular purpose; a combination. Specifically: (a) Any medicinal substance fitted for use. (b) Anything treated for preservation or examination as a specimen. (c) Something prepared for use in cookery.
I wish the chemists had been more sparing who magnify their preparations.
In the preparations of cookery, the most volatile parts of vegetables are destroyed.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
The holding over of a note from one chord into the next chord, where it forms a temporary discord, until resolved in the chord that follows; the anticipation of a discordant note in the preceding concord, so that the ear is prepared for the shock. See Suspension.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
The activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose;
Preparations for the ceremony had begun
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
The cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening;
His planning for retirement was hindered by several uncertainties
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
The state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action);
Putting them in readiness
Their preparation was more than adequate
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
(music) a note that produces a dissonant chord is first heard in a consonant chord;
The resolution of one dissonance is often the preparation for another disonance
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
The act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat;
Cooking can be a great art
People are needed who have experience in cookery
He left the preparation of meals to his wife
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 13, 2023
Preparation
Assembling of resources or materials
The preparation of her art supplies took half the day.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Preparation
Mental or emotional readiness
His preparation for the big speech helped him stay calm.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
FAQs
Can preparing be used to describe studying?
Yes, preparing can describe the action of studying for something.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is preparing short-term or long-term?
Preparing can be either but is often immediate or ongoing.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Does preparation imply action or state?
Preparation implies a state or process of being ready.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
Can preparation include the gathering of materials?
Yes, preparation can include the assembling of resources or materials.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can you use preparing and preparation in the same sentence?
Yes, e.g., "She is preparing for her speech, and her preparation has been thorough."
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Can preparation refer to emotional readiness?
Yes, preparation can refer to mental or emotional readiness.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Is preparation more strategic?
Often, preparation can be more strategic and long-term.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Can preparing refer to cooking?
Yes, preparing can refer to the action of cooking or assembling food.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Does preparing always lead to preparation?
Not necessarily, as preparing is an action, while preparation is a state or outcome that may or may not be achieved.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
What does preparation encompass in a business context?
Preparation in business could mean planning, organizing resources, or strategizing for an event or project.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can preparing be used in a business context?
Yes, preparing can refer to actions like making a presentation or organizing a meeting.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Can preparing be done spontaneously?
Yes, preparing can often be more spontaneous compared to preparation, which may require more planning.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
