first reading

• 议会或政府机构在正式辩论或表决之前对法案或立法提案的初次陈述或审议。

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.

   一读

   • 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.

   初读

   • 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.