prepare to make plans or arrangements for something that will happen in the future so that you will be ready when it happens:
He only had a few hours to prepare for the interview. The family are preparing to move to Queensland.get ready to prepare for something.
Get ready is less formal than
prepare and is the usual phrase to use in everyday English:
Smith has been busy getting ready for the race. The army was getting ready to attack.make preparations to prepare for an event that needs a lot of planning:
The couple are making preparations for their wedding next year.gear up to prepare for an important event – used about companies, organizations, cities etc:
Stores are gearing up for the busy Christmas shopping period. The city is gearing up for the Olympics.get something ready to prepare something.
Get something ready is less formal than
prepare and is the usual phrase to use in everyday English:
They were getting the ship ready to sail.set (something) up to prepare equipment so that it is ready to be used:
It will take a few minutes to set the camera up. The band was setting up on the stage. [TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲