Step 1: Concept Creep is the time-dependent permanent deformation of a material under constant stress at elevated temperatures.
Step 2: Meaning A typical creep curve (strain vs. time) consists of three distinct stages.
Step 3: Analysis In the primary (transient) stage, the creep rate is initially high but decreases over time due to work hardening. In the secondary stage, the rate is constant. In the tertiary stage, the rate increases until failure.
Step 4: Conclusion Therefore, the stage characterized by a decreasing creep rate is the primary stage.
Final Answer: (A)