Create vs. Prepare — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 25, 2024
Create involves bringing something new into existence, focusing on innovation and originality, while prepare emphasizes making ready or arranging what already exists.
Difference Between Create and Prepare
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Create implies the act of bringing something into existence that did not previously exist, relying heavily on innovation, imagination, and original thought. On the other hand, prepare involves the process of making something ready for use or consideration, often by arranging, assembling, or modifying what already exists.
In the realm of cooking, to create might mean devising a new recipe or dish, incorporating unique ingredients or techniques. Whereas to prepare refers to the act of getting the ingredients ready, following the recipe, and cooking the dish.
In artistic contexts, create is associated with the process of making new art, whether it's a painting, sculpture, or music, driven by originality and creativity. Conversely, prepare in this context could involve setting up the artist's workspace, gathering materials, or planning the project's execution.
When it comes to events, to create an event could mean conceptualizing its theme, purpose, and structure, essentially bringing a new experience to life. To prepare for an event, however, focuses on organizing logistics, sending invitations, and setting up the venue.
In technology, creating could refer to the development of a new app, software, or system that offers new solutions or experiences. Preparing, in contrast, might involve setting up the necessary infrastructure, coding environments, or conducting research to support the development process.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To bring something new into existence.
To make something ready for use or consideration.
Focus
Innovation, originality, and creativity.
Arranging, assembling, or modifying existing items.
Associated with
Inventing, designing, constructing.
Organizing, planning, setting up.
Examples
Creating a new mobile app, inventing a game.
Preparing a meal, setting up a meeting agenda.
Outcome
A novel product, idea, or solution.
An arranged or ready state for something existing.
Compare with Definitions
Create
To compose or design.
The author is creating a new fantasy series.
Prepare
To make ready for a specific purpose.
She prepares her notes carefully before each lecture.
Create
To originate something unique.
She aims to create a painting that reflects her emotional journey.
Prepare
To arrange or work out the details.
They are preparing the final report for submission.
Create
To establish or bring into being.
They plan to create a community garden in their neighborhood.
Prepare
To plan or make arrangements in advance.
She prepared a list of questions to ask during the interview.
Create
To cause to happen or occur.
The event was designed to create opportunities for networking.
Prepare
To put in a proper state of mind.
He prepared himself for the challenges ahead.
Create
To invent or produce through imaginative skill.
He created a new software tool to streamline workflows.
Prepare
To equip or furnish with necessary provisions.
The team is preparing the lab for the upcoming experiment.
Create
Bring (something) into existence
He created a thirty-acre lake
Over 170 jobs were created
Prepare
To make ready beforehand for a specific purpose, as for an event or occasion
The teacher prepared the students for the exams.
Create
Make a fuss; complain
Little kids create because they hate being ignored
Prepare
To put together or make by combining various elements or ingredients; manufacture or compound
Prepared a meal.
Prepared the lecture.
Create
To cause to exist; bring into being
Created a new music school.
Prepare
To fit out; equip
Prepared the ship for an arctic expedition.
Create
To give rise to; produce
That remark created a stir.
Prepare
(Music) To lead up to and soften (a dissonance or its impact) by means of preparation.
Create
To produce through artistic or imaginative effort
Create a poem.
Create a dramatic role.
Prepare
To make things or oneself ready
I must prepare for my trip.
Create
To invest with an office or title; appoint
He was created a baron.
Prepare
(transitive) To make ready for a specific future purpose; to set up; to assemble or equip.
We prepared the spacecraft for takeoff.
Create
Created.
Prepare
(transitive) To make ready for eating or drinking; to cook.
We prepared a fish for dinner.
Create
(transitive) To bring into existence; (sometimes in particular:)
You can create the color orange by mixing yellow and red.
Prepare
(intransitive) To make oneself ready; to get ready, make preparation.
We prepared for a bumpy ride.
Create
To bring into existence out of nothing, without the prior existence of the materials or elements used.
Prepare
(transitive) To produce or make by combining elements; to synthesize, compound.
She prepared a meal from what was left in the cupboards.
Create
To make or produce from other (e.g. raw, unrefined or scattered) materials or combinable elements or ideas; to design or invest with a new form, shape, function, etc.
Couturiers create exclusive garments for an affluent clientele.
Prepare
(obsolete) preparation
Create
(transitive) To cause, to bring (a non-object) about by an action, behavior, or event, to occasion.
Crop failures created food shortages and high prices; his stubbornness created many difficulties
A sudden chemical spill on the highway created a chain‐collision which created a record traffic jam.
Prepare
To fit, adapt, or qualify for a particular purpose or condition; to make ready; to put into a state for use or application; as, to prepare ground for seed; to prepare a lesson.
Our souls, not yet prepared for upper light.
Create
(transitive) To confer or invest with a rank or title of nobility, to appoint, ordain or constitute.
Henry VIII created him a Duke.
Last month, the queen created two barons.
Under the concordate with Belgium, at least one Belgian clergyman must be created cardinal; by tradition, every archbishop of Mechelen is thus created a cardinal.
Prepare
To procure as suitable or necessary; to get ready; to provide; as, to prepare ammunition and provisions for troops; to prepare ships for defence; to prepare an entertainment.
That they may prepare a city for habitation.
Create
(intransitive) To be or do something creative, imaginative, originative.
Children usually enjoy creating, never mind if it is of any use!
Prepare
To make all things ready; to put things in order; as, to prepare for a hostile invasion.
Create
(transitive) In theatre, to be the first performer of a role; to originate a character.
Prepare
To make one's self ready; to get ready; to take the necessary previous measures; as, to prepare for death.
Create
To make a fuss, complain; to shout.
Prepare
Preparation.
Create
(obsolete) Created, resulting from creation.
Prepare
Make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc;
Get the children ready for school!
Prepare for war
I was fixing to leave town after I paid the hotel bill
Create
Created; composed; begotten.
Hearts create of duty and zeal.
Prepare
Prepare for eating by applying heat;
Cook me dinner, please
Can you make me an omelette?
Fix breakfast for the guests, please
Create
To bring into being; to form out of nothing; to cause to exist.
In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.
Prepare
To prepare verbally, either for written or spoken delivery;
Prepare a report
Prepare a speech
Create
To effect by the agency, and under the laws, of causation; to be the occasion of; to cause; to produce; to form or fashion; to renew.
Your eye in ScotlandWould create soldiers.
Create in me a clean heart.
Prepare
Arrange by systematic planning and united effort;
Machinate a plot
Organize a strike
Devise a plan to take over the director's office
Create
To invest with a new form, office, or character; to constitute; to appoint; to make; as, to create one a peer.
Prepare
Prepare (someone) for a future role or function;
He is grooming his son to become his successor
The prince was prepared to become King one day
They trained him to be a warrior
Create
Make or cause to be or to become;
Make a mess in one's office
Create a furor
Prepare
Create by training and teaching;
The old master is training world-class violinists
We develop the leaders for the future
Create
Bring into existence;
The company was created 25 years ago
He created a new movement in painting
Prepare
Lead up to and soften by sounding the dissonant note in it as a consonant note in the preceding chord;
Prepare the discord in bar 139
Create
Pursue a creative activity; be engaged in a creative activity;
Don't disturb him--he is creating
Prepare
Undergo training or instruction in preparation for a particular role, function, or profession;
She is training to be a teacher
He trained as a legal aid
Create
Invest with a new title, office, or rank;
Create one a peer
Create
Create by artistic means;
Create a poem
Schoenberg created twelve-tone music
Picasso created Cubism
Auden made verses
Create
Create or manufacture a man-made product;
We produce more cars than we can sell
The company has been making toys for two centuries
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to prepare?
To prepare means to make something or someone ready for some activity, use, or purpose.
Is preparation always a preliminary step to creation?
Often, but not always. Preparation can also follow creation, as in preparing a created product for market.
Can the act of preparing be considered creative?
Yes, when it involves innovative ways of planning or arranging resources.
Can create and prepare be used interchangeably?
No, create implies bringing something new into existence, while prepare focuses on making ready what already exists.
How do the concepts of create and prepare apply in education?
Educators create curricula (new learning pathways) and prepare lessons (organize and plan delivery).
What does it mean to create?
To create means to bring something new into existence through imagination or innovation.
How do digital creators embody both creating and preparing?
Digital creators design original content (creating) and also plan and organize their projects and platforms (preparing).
How does preparation affect the creation process?
Preparation can provide a solid foundation, making the creation process smoother and more focused.
In what way does cooking illustrate the difference between creating and preparing?
Inventing a new dish showcases creating, while chopping ingredients exemplifies preparing.
How important is preparation in the context of artistic creation?
Very; preparing materials and concepts often dictates the efficiency and direction of the artistic process.
Does preparing always result in creation?
Not necessarily; preparation might be for the use, presentation, or enhancement of something already created.
Is creativity necessary for both creating and preparing?
Creativity is more central to creating, while preparing often involves practical planning and organization.
Can you create without preparing?
While possible, creating without preparation may lead to challenges that could have been mitigated with proper planning.
Do all professions involve both creating and preparing?
Most professions involve some aspects of both, though the balance and focus may vary.
Can one exist without the other in a productive workflow?
Both are essential for a well-rounded and effective workflow; creation brings innovation, while preparation ensures feasibility and readiness.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
