'preparedness' originates from the word 'prepare,' which comes from Latin 'praeparare,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'parare' meant 'make ready.'

'praeparare' transformed into the Old French word 'preparer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'prepare,' leading to 'preparedness.'

Initially, it meant 'to make ready beforehand,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.