This is the 4583rd most frequent Russian word.
готовилась
"Gotovilas'" - "was preparing" or "was getting ready."
Here, 'готовилась' is used to describe the subject's action of preparing or studying for an upcoming test, reflecting an ongoing past process.
Она готовилась к экзамену.
She was studying for the exam.
In this sentence, 'готовилась' indicates the subject making preparations in anticipation of receiving visitors, again emphasizing an ongoing or expecting action.
Она готовилась встретить гостей.
She was preparing to host guests.
Here 'готовилась' describes the action of getting ready or organizing oneself for an upcoming journey, showing its applicability to various types of preparations.