Getting something or someone ready for a future event or action, or making arrangements ahead of time.
From Latin 'praeparare,' combining 'prae' (before) and 'parare' (to make ready). The word entered English through Old French and has maintained its core meaning of 'making something ready in advance' for over 800 years.
The Latin roots of 'prepare' literally mean 'to make beforehand'—which is exactly what makes it different from just 'doing' something; you're building time itself into the action, which is why preparation is considered a sign of intelligence and maturity.
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