Preparing vs. Preparation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
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Temporal Element
Immediate or ongoing
Can be long-term or strategic
Activity vs. State
Indicates activity
Indicates a state or process
Scope
Usually narrower
Can be more comprehensive
Result
Action's ongoing
Often the outcome of actions
Preparing and Preparation Definitions
Preparing
Making ready for a specific purpose
She is preparing the room for the meeting.
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Preparation
Study or training undertaken in advance
His strong exam scores were the result of good preparation.
Preparing
Engaging in study or training
He is preparing for his exams.
Preparation
The action or state of making something ready
The preparation of the meal took two hours.
Preparing
Setting up equipment
We are preparing the stage for the concert.
Preparation
Planning or organization for future events
Her preparation for retirement started 10 years ago.
Preparing
Organizing resources
They are preparing their presentation slides.
Preparation
The act or process of preparing
The preparation of dinner for six people.
Preparing
To make ready beforehand for a specific purpose, as for an event or occasion
The teacher prepared the students for the exams.
Preparation
The state of having been made ready beforehand; readiness.
Preparing
To put together or make by combining various elements or ingredients; manufacture or compound
Prepared a meal.
Prepared the lecture.
Preparation
Often preparations An action done to prepare for something, especially for an event or undertaking
Preparations for the opening of the new school.
Preparing
To fit out; equip
Prepared the ship for an arctic expedition.
Preparation
A substance, such as a medicine, prepared for a particular purpose.
Preparing
(Music) To lead up to and soften (a dissonance or its impact) by means of preparation.
Preparation
The anticipation of a dissonant tone by means of its introduction as a consonant tone in the preceding chord.
Preparing
To make things or oneself ready
I must prepare for my trip.
Preparation
The dissonant tone so anticipated.
Preparing
Present participle of prepare
Preparation
(uncountable) The act of preparing or getting ready.
I went over my notes in preparation for the exam.
Preparing
Preparation
Preparation
(uncountable) The state of being prepared; readiness.
Preparing
Cooking or assembling food
I am preparing dinner right now.
Preparation
(countable) That which is prepared.
Preparation
A substance, especially a remedy, that is prepared.
The traditional remedy is a bitter preparation made from steamed herbs.
Preparation
(anatomy) A part of any animal body preserved as a specimen.
Preparation
(music) Any of the objects placed between the strings of a prepared piano.
Preparation
(Judaism) The day before the Sabbath or other Jewish feast-day.
Preparation
Devotional exercises introducing an office.
Preparation
(music) The previous introduction, as an integral part of a chord, of a note continued into a succeeding dissonance.
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.
Preparation
The state of being prepared or made ready; preparedness; readiness; fitness; as, a nation in good preparation for war.
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.
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.
Preparation
An army or fleet.
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.
Preparation
Accomplishment; qualification.
Preparation
The activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose;
Preparations for the ceremony had begun
Preparation
A substance prepared according to a formula
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
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
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
Preparation
Activity leading to skilled behavior
Preparation
Preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)
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
Preparation
Assembling of resources or materials
The preparation of her art supplies took half the day.
Preparation
Mental or emotional readiness
His preparation for the big speech helped him stay calm.
FAQs
Can preparing be used to describe studying?
Yes, preparing can describe the action of studying for something.
Is preparation a noun or a verb?
Preparation is a noun.
Is preparing short-term or long-term?
Preparing can be either but is often immediate or ongoing.
Does preparation imply action or state?
Preparation implies a state or process of being ready.
Can preparation include the gathering of materials?
Yes, preparation can include the assembling of resources or materials.
Is preparing an active process?
Yes, preparing is an active, dynamic process.
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."
Can preparation refer to emotional readiness?
Yes, preparation can refer to mental or emotional readiness.
Is preparing a noun or a verb?
Preparing is a verb.
Is preparation more strategic?
Often, preparation can be more strategic and long-term.
Can preparing refer to cooking?
Yes, preparing can refer to the action of cooking or assembling food.
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.
What does preparation encompass in a business context?
Preparation in business could mean planning, organizing resources, or strategizing for an event or project.
Can preparing be used in a business context?
Yes, preparing can refer to actions like making a presentation or organizing a meeting.
Can preparing be done spontaneously?
Yes, preparing can often be more spontaneous compared to preparation, which may require more planning.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
