first reading

• Première présentation ou examen d'un projet de loi ou d'une proposition législative avant les débats officiels ou le vote dans une assemblée parlementaire ou gouvernementale.

The initial presentation or consideration of a bill or legislative proposal before a formal debate or vote in a parliamentary or governmental body.

1. Initial legislative stageC1formal

   The first formal presentation of a bill in a legislative body, often without debate, to introduce it for consideration.

   première lecture

   • The bill passed its first reading in the House of Commons yesterday.
   • During the first reading, the minister outlined the main objectives of the proposed law.
   • The opposition requested a delay after the first reading to study the details.

2. First interpretation of a textB2formal

   The initial attempt to understand or interpret a written work, such as a poem, contract, or scripture.

   première lecture

   • A first reading of the poem suggests it is about loss, but deeper meanings emerge later.
   • The lawyer gave a first reading of the contract to identify any obvious issues.
   • After a first reading of the instructions, the task seemed simple.