Here are some examples to illustrate the variety of meanings:
* In a culinary context: Preparatory tools might include knives, cutting boards, measuring cups, mixing bowls, and peelers—anything used to prepare ingredients before cooking.
* In a construction context: Preparatory tools could be surveying equipment, excavation tools, or even blueprints and design software used before actual construction begins.
* In a writing context: Preparatory tools could be an outline, research notes, a thesaurus, or grammar checker.
* In a medical context: Preparatory tools might include sterilizing equipment, diagnostic imaging machines, or patient intake forms used before a procedure.
* In an artistic context: Preparatory tools could range from sketches and maquettes (small models) to specialized brushes and paints.
In essence, anything used to get ready for a subsequent action can be considered a preparatory tool. To understand the meaning, you need to know the context in which the term is used.