Introduction

ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
3 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

The act of presenting someone or something to another; the presentation or bringing in of something.

ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən

nounneutralBeginner
Action

The act or process of introducing something.

The introduction to the conference was given by the CEO.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're starting a story or a meeting. The introduction is the part where you 'introduce' the topic or the characters. Like, 'Hello, this is my new cat, Mittens!' or 'Today, we'll be talking about...'

👶 For kids: When you meet someone new, or when you start a story or book, that's an introduction!

More Examples

2

She wrote the introduction to her book during the flight.

3

The introduction of new technology has changed the way we work.

How It's Used

Formal Writing

"The introduction of the new policy caused significant changes."

Business

"The introduction of a new product line is planned for next quarter."

2

A formal presentation of one person to another or to a group.

ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən

nounneutralBeginner
Social Interaction

A formal act of presenting a person to another or others.

She made the introductions to the new members of the team.

💡 Simply: It's like when you say, 'This is my friend, Sarah!' to another person, or when you start a conversation by saying your name. It helps people get to know each other.

👶 For kids: When you tell someone the name of a person they're meeting!

More Examples

2

The introductions at the gala were quite elaborate.

3

After the introductions, they began the discussion.

How It's Used

Social Settings

"The introductions were made at the beginning of the party."

Formal Events

"Let me make the introductions; this is my colleague, John."

Tip:Think of shaking hands and saying names: that's an introduction.
3

The section at the beginning of a book, essay, or other piece of writing or performance that explains what it is about.

ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən

nounneutralBeginner
Structure

A beginning section of a text or performance.

The introduction to the book gave a summary of the author's argument.

💡 Simply: Think of it like the first few sentences of a book, a movie, or a speech, where you find out what it's all about. Like the first part of a song or a book. It gives you a sneak peek!

👶 For kids: The beginning of a story, or song, or book!

More Examples

2

He skipped the introduction and went straight to the conclusion.

3

The introduction to the play set the scene for the rest of the performance.

How It's Used

Literature

"The introduction sets the tone for the novel."

Music

"The introduction of the song was slow and melodic."

Tip:Like the 'intro' to a song, it's the first part.

Idioms & expressions

make an introduction

To present someone to another person or a group.

"Let me make an introduction; this is my colleague, David."

introduction to...

The beginning section or chapter that introduces a topic, subject, or person.

"This is an introduction to the history of art."

From Latin 'introductio', meaning 'a leading in' or 'a bringing in'. It developed through Middle English, referring initially to the act of leading or bringing something in, then to the beginning of a piece of writing or speech, and later to the formal presentation of someone.

The word 'introduction' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to the act of leading or bringing something in.

Memory tip

Think of an 'intro' as the first thing that 'ducks' in (introduces) a presentation or a new idea.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"introductio - 'a leading in' or 'a bringing in'"

make an introductionintroduction to a subjectthe introduction ofan introductory paragraphgive an introduction

Common misspellings

introductinintroducttionintroductoion

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written