préparé

Préparé is the past participle of the French verb préparer, meaning to prepare. It also functions as an adjective meaning “prepared” or “ready.” The word originates from pré- (before) combined with the root parer/parer, linked to the Latin parare, “to prepare.” In use, préparé appears in various tenses and constructions, from simple past forms to passive and adjectival positions.

As a verb participle, préparé appears in compound tenses with the auxiliary avoir: j’ai préparé le dîner (I prepared the dinner). In passive constructions or when used as an adjective, it agrees with the subject: le dîner a été préparé, la soupe préparée est chaude. When the participle is used with avoir and a direct object precedes it, it can also show agreement: les repas qu’il a préparés (the meals he prepared). The feminine and plural forms are préparée, préparés, and préparées.

As an adjective, préparé means prepared or ready, and is commonly found in everyday phrases such as un repas préparé (a prepared meal) or des plats préparés (ready-to-eat dishes). In culinary and consumer contexts, préparé is often used to designate convenience or pre-made items, as in “plat préparé” or “repas préparé sur place.”

See also entries on préparer (to prepare), préparation (preparation), and grammatical notes on the agreement of past participles with avoir or être.