noun (n)

• the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose(noun.act)

  Example:
  Preparations for the ceremony had begun.
  

  Synonym:
  readying
  

  source: wordnet30
• a substance prepared according to a formula(noun.substance)

  Example:
  The physician prescribed a commercial preparation of the medicine.
  

  Synonym:
  formulation
  

  source: wordnet30
• the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening(noun.cognition)

  Synonym:
  planning, provision
  

  source: wordnet30
• the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)(noun.state)

  Example:
  Their preparation was more than adequate.
  

  Synonym:
  preparedness, readiness
  

  source: wordnet30
• (music) a note that produces a dissonant chord is first heard in a consonant chord(noun.communication)

  Example:
  The resolution of one dissonance is often the preparation for another dissonance.
  

  Antonym:
  resolution
  

  source: wordnet30
• activity leading to skilled behavior(noun.act)

  Synonym:
  grooming, training
  

  source: wordnet30
• preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)(noun.act)

  Synonym:
  homework, prep
  

  source: wordnet30
• the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat(noun.act)

  Example:
  He left the preparation of meals to his wife.
  

  Synonym:
  cookery, cooking
  

  source: wordnet30
• 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.(noun)

  source: webster1913