preparatory

preparatory steps.

a preparatory course; preparatory students.

more preparatory work is needed.

This was where we were to have our preparatory language courses.

a preparatory drawing for the finished painting.

He made his will preparatory to his voyage.

she applied her make-up preparatory to leaving.

A thorough cleaning of the house took place preparatory to our departure.

and the whole subsequent development of the family presupposes the existence of the consanguine family as a necessary preparatory stage.

The runners flexed their muscles as the preparatory activities for the race.