preparatory to somethingformalBEFORE before something else and in order to prepare for it 作为某事的准备;在某事之前 The partners held several meetings preparatory to signing the agreement. 合伙人在签订协议之前举行了几次会议。
preparatory to something• The partners held several meetings preparatory to signing the agreement.
→ preparatory to something at preparatory(1)