Definition

1. Noun:

   • Preparatory school work done outside of school (especially at home): The word "prep" is an informal abbreviation for "preparation" or "homework," specifically referring to schoolwork assigned to be completed outside of class hours.
   • A preparatory school: In some contexts, "prep" is a short form for a private preparatory school, typically one that prepares students for college.

2. Verb (informal):

   • To prepare: To make ready or get ready for something. This usage is often casual.
   • To prepare someone, especially by teaching or coaching: To instruct or train someone for a specific task, event, or role.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Homework):
  • I have a lot of prep to do for my history class tonight.
  • She finished her math prep before dinner.
• Noun (School):
  • He attended an exclusive prep on the East Coast.
• Verb:
  • I need to prep for the interview tomorrow.
  • The coach prepped the team for the championship game.

Advanced Usage

• "To prep a surface": To make a surface ready for a subsequent action, like painting or applying a material.
  • You must prep the wall by sanding it before you paint.
• "Test prep": Short for "test preparation," referring to studying or courses designed to prepare for an exam.
  • He took a test prep course for the university entrance exams.

Variants and Related Words

• Preparation (n): The action or process of making ready.
  • The preparation for the event took weeks.
• Preparatory (adj): Serving as a preparation; introductory.
  • She took a preparatory course in chemistry.
• Prepped (adj, informal): Being in a state of readiness.
  • The patient was prepped for surgery.

Synonyms

• Homework (n): Schoolwork to be done at home.
• Study (n/v): The devotion of time to learning or reviewing material.
• Prepare (v): To make ready.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Prep for: To prepare for something specific.
  • We need to prep for the upcoming audit.
• Prep up (informal): To get ready, often by improving one's appearance or knowledge.
  • You should prep up before the gala dinner.

Related Idioms

• "Do your prep": An instruction to complete your preparatory work or homework.
  • If you want to pass, you have to do your prep.
• "Prep time": The period allocated for preparation.
  • The chef demanded more prep time before the dinner service.

Noun

1. preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)