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[ in-truh—duhk-shuhn ]
/ ˌɪn trəˈdʌk ʃən /
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
noun
a formal personal presentation of one person to another or others.
a preliminary part, as of a book, musical composition, or the like, leading up to the main part.
an elementary treatise: an introduction to botany.
an act or instance of inserting.
something introduced.
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Origin of introduction
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English introduccion, from Latin intrōductiōn- (stem of intrōductiō ). See introduce, -tion
synonym study for introduction
3. Introduction, foreword, preface refer to material given at the front of a book to explain or introduce it to the reader. A foreword is part of the front matter and is usually written by someone other than the author, often an authority on the subject of the book. A preface is the author’s own statement, and often includes acknowledgments. It follows the foreword (if there is one) and is also part of the front matter. The introduction is always by the author. It may be extensive and is usually printed as part of the text.
OTHER WORDS FROM introduction
re·in·tro·duc·tion, nounself-in·tro·duc·tion, nounsub·in·tro·duc·tion, noun
Words nearby introduction
intrinsically, intrinsic factor, intrinsic semiconductor, intro, introduce, introduction, introductory, introgression, introit, introject, introjection
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
MORE ABOUT INTRODUCTION
What is an introduction?
The introduction is the first section of an essay. It presents, or introduces, the essay topic and includes a thesis statement.
Students are usually taught to write an essay in three parts, with the first part being the introduction, followed by the body and ending with a conclusion.
The introduction is often considered to be the most important part of the essay because it summarizes the essay’s topic and introduces the thesis statement. The thesis statement presents the specific argument the essay will make or the main point the reader should take away.
Outside of essays, introductions are also used in articles, opinion pieces, blog posts, research papers, and other types of writing to entice someone into reading the whole piece.
Why is introduction important?
The first records of the word introduction come around 1350. It ultimately comes from the Latin intrōdūcere, meaning “to lead inside.” In terms of an essay, the introduction presents the reader with the essay topic, inviting them “inside” the essay to learn more.
Teachers often tell students that an introduction should be only as long as it needs to be to do its job, which you might find frustrating and vague. A good introduction begins with a sentence that will interest the reader and entice them to read the rest of the essay, often called a hook. The hook can be an unexpected question, a shocking sentence, an interesting statistic, a powerful quote, or many other possibilities.
After the hook, you’ll want to include sentences that talk about the main points of your essay or that provide a small amount of background information a reader might need. The introduction should not go into detail about any of the points you’ll make in the body of the essay.
You’ll also include a thesis statement in your introduction, often as the last sentence. For student essays, the thesis statement usually answers the question asked by the writing prompt or presents their position on a debate or situation.
Did you know … ?
The introduction can be the hardest part of an essay to write because you have to know what you will say in the essay. When a writer is struggling with their introduction, they sometimes find that writing it after they write the body of the essay is easier.
What are real-life examples of introduction?
This slide gives a quick summary of some elements of a good introduction.
Many students struggle to write good introductions, and it’s often the first thing they write for an essay.
Watch Writing INTRODUCTION Part, Essay Writing, UPSC CSE MAINS 2019, Dr Khan, KSG Indiahttps://t.co/VZmZAsZMwT
— Khan Study Group (@khanstudygroup) September 8, 2021
I find the hardest part of essay writing is getting started. Once the introduction is out of the way, things start getting a lot easier.
— Majeed Ullah (@majeed_ullah_) January 9, 2021
Quiz yourself!
True or False?
The introduction is the most important part of the essay because it contains the thesis statement.
Words related to introduction
addition, debut, establishment, inauguration, influx, initiation, installation, launch, opening, preface, presentation, admittance, awakening, baptism, beginning, commencement, essentials, exordium, foreword, hornbook
How to use introduction in a sentence
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“With the introduction of Shops on Facebook and Instagram, the importance of Facebook as an online sales driver is likely to increase as brands need to ensure they are delivering fantastic customer experiences on social commerce platforms,” said Ma.
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Skinner said that improper clearing could leave space for the introduction of tall non-native grasses that burn hotter, faster and higher – adding risk to catching trees alight.
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We know that introduction of state lotteries and casinos into neighborhoods increases crime.
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The only thing I can think of is maybe the introductions, and what each team is able to do, that you feel a little different.
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Among the most talked-about introductions have been zero-cost benefits around pay.
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Finding the shop is a trip in itself and an introduction to a slice of history.
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On company questionnaires, many students still report the book as their introduction to RSD.
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Granted, partly this is a problem of sources the author identifies in the introduction.
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For a shorter introduction to Richardson, read Journey to Paradise: Short Stories and Autobiographical Sketches.
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Existing food shortages in the country were immediately exacerbated by the introduction of Ebola, for a variety of reasons.
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It would appear then that the year 1559 was about the period of the introduction of tobacco into Europe.
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Its use by so distinguished a person as Raleigh was equivalent to its general introduction.
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Labor, so it was argued, was perpetually being saved by the constant introduction of new uses of machinery.
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“Reggie has spoken of you many times, monsieur,” said Fleurette, after the introduction had been effected.
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Thanks to Massna’s warm introduction and his own reputation, he found himself cordially received by the First Consul.
British Dictionary definitions for introduction
noun
the act of introducing or fact of being introduced
a presentation of one person to another or others
a means of presenting a person to another person, group, etc, such as a letter of introduction or reference
a preliminary part, as of a book, speech, etc
music
- an instrumental passage preceding the entry of a soloist, choir, etc
- an opening passage in a movement or composition that precedes the main material
something that has been or is introduced, esp something that is not native to an area, country, etc
a basic or elementary work of instruction, reference, etc
logic (qualified by the name of an operation) a syntactic rule specifying the conditions under which a formula or statement containing the specified operator may be derived from othersconjunction-introduction; negation-introduction
Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other forms: introductions
An introduction refers to a beginning — maybe presenting someone new to a group, or inserting a new idea into a project. In a piece of writing, the introduction makes clear to the reader the text’s purpose.
The noun introduction comes from the Latin verb introducere, meaning «to lead in.» This “leading in” might be the formal introduction of a speaker, or the speaker’s own introduction to his remarks. Or it might be the insertion of a new and different idea, as in British politician Lord Hailsham’s remark, «The introduction of religious passion into politics is the end of honest politics, and the introduction of politics into religion is the prostitution of true religion.»
Definitions of introduction
-
noun
the act of beginning something new
-
noun
the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new
-
noun
formally making a person known to another or to the public
-
“they resisted the
introduction of impractical alternatives” -
noun
the first section of a communication
-
noun
a basic or elementary instructional text
-
noun
the act of putting one thing into another
-
synonyms:
insertion, intromission
see moresee less-
types:
- show 11 types…
- hide 11 types…
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cannulation, cannulisation, cannulization, canulation, canulisation, canulization, intubation
the insertion of a cannula or tube into a hollow body organ
-
instillation, instillment, instilment
the introduction of a liquid (by pouring or injection) drop by drop
-
enclosing, enclosure, envelopment, inclosure
the act of enclosing something inside something else
-
injection
the forceful insertion of a substance under pressure
-
blood transfusion, transfusion
the introduction of blood or blood plasma into a vein or artery
-
perfusion
pumping a liquid into an organ or tissue (especially by way of blood vessels)
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boxing, packing
the enclosure of something in a package or box
-
encasement, incasement
the act of enclosing something in a case
-
epidural injection
injection of an anesthetic substance into the epidural space of the spinal cord in order to produce epidural anesthesia
-
infusion
(medicine) the passive introduction of a substance (a fluid or drug or electrolyte) into a vein or between tissues (as by gravitational force)
-
exchange transfusion
slow removal of a person’s blood and its replacement with equal amounts of a donor’s blood
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type of:
-
movement
the act of changing the location of something
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘introduction’.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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Britannica Dictionary definition of INTRODUCTION
1
[count]
:
the act of making a person known to others by name
— usually plural
-
Once we finished the introductions [=once everyone was introduced], the meeting began.
-
I’ll make the introductions. [=I’ll introduce everyone]
2
[noncount]
:
the act of introducing something: such as
a
:
the act of bringing something into practice or use for the first time
-
the introduction of telephone service to the area
b
:
the act of making a product available for sale for the first time
-
Since its introduction last year, over a million copies of the software have been sold.
c
:
the act of presenting something for discussion or consideration
-
the introduction of evidence at the trial
-
the introduction of a new topic for conversation
-
the introduction of the bill to Congress
-
She told the audience, by way of introduction, that the research was completed a year ago.
d
:
the act of bringing something (such as a plant or animal) to a place for the first time
-
the introduction of an Asian plant species to America
3
[count]
:
a statement made to an audience about someone who is about to speak, perform, etc., or something that is about to begin
-
After a brief introduction, the performer took the stage.
◊ A person who needs no introduction is well-known to the audience.
-
Our speaker this evening needs no introduction.
4
[count]
a
:
the beginning part of a book, essay, speech, etc., that explains what will follow in the main part
-
Did you read the introduction?
-
His introduction outlined the main points of the speech.
b
:
the beginning part of a piece of music
5
[count]
:
something (such as a book or a course of study) that provides basic information about a subject
— + to
-
The book/course is an introduction to computer programming.
6
[singular]
:
a person’s first experience with something
— + to
-
That concert was my introduction to her music. [=it was the first time I had heard her music]
7
[count]
:
something that is added or introduced to something else
-
The plant is a recent introduction from Asia.
Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Financial, Acronyms, Idioms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
in·tro·duc·tion
(ĭn′trə-dŭk′shən)
n.
1. The act or process of introducing or the state of being introduced.
2. A means, such as a personal letter, of presenting one person to another.
3. Something recently introduced; an innovation: «He loathed a fork; it is a modern introduction which has still scarcely reached common people» (D.H. Lawrence).
4. Something spoken, written, or otherwise presented in beginning or introducing something, especially:
a. A preface, as to a book.
b. Music A short preliminary passage in a larger movement or work.
c. A basic introductory text or course of study.
[Middle English introduccioun, from Old French introduction, from Latin intrōductiō, intrōductiōn-, from intrōductus, past participle of intrōdūcere, to bring in; see introduce.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
introduction
(ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən)
n
1. the act of introducing or fact of being introduced
2. a presentation of one person to another or others
3. a means of presenting a person to another person, group, etc, such as a letter of introduction or reference
4. a preliminary part, as of a book, speech, etc
5. (Classical Music) music
a. an instrumental passage preceding the entry of a soloist, choir, etc
b. an opening passage in a movement or composition that precedes the main material
6. something that has been or is introduced, esp something that is not native to an area, country, etc
7. (Journalism & Publishing) a basic or elementary work of instruction, reference, etc
8. (Logic) logic (qualified by the name of an operation) a syntactic rule specifying the conditions under which a formula or statement containing the specified operator may be derived from others: conjunction-introduction; negation-introduction.
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
in•tro•duc•tion
(ˌɪn trəˈdʌk ʃən)
n.
1. the act of introducing or the state of being introduced.
2. a formal personal presentation of one person to another or others.
3. a preliminary part, as of a book, musical composition, or the like, leading up to the main part.
4. an elementary treatise.
5. an act or instance of inserting.
6. something introduced.
[1350–1400; Middle English < Latin intrōductiō]
syn: introduction, foreword, preface refer to material in the front of a book that introduces and explains it to the reader. An introduction is a formal preliminary statement, often extensive, that serves as a guide to the book. It is written by the author and usu. printed as part of the text: The introduction outlined the subjects covered in the book. A foreword is a short introductory statement that precedes the text proper. It is usu. written by someone other than the author, often an authority on the subject of the book: The writer of the foreword praised the book. A preface, also separate from the text proper, is the author’s informal statement about the purpose, preparation, etc., of the book; it usu. includes acknowledgments: The author thanked her family in the preface. A preface usu. follows a foreword, if there is one.
Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
introduction
- inlay card — A pamphlet accompanying a CD, film, etc., giving an introduction.
- isagoge — An introduction to a field of study.
- front matter — Things in the beginning of a book like an introduction and table of contents.
- propaedeutic — A subject or course of study that is an introduction to more advanced study or to an art or science.
Farlex Trivia Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
| Noun | 1. |  introduction — the act of beginning something new; «they looked forward to the debut of their new product line»
debut, first appearance, launching, unveiling, entry commencement, start, beginning — the act of starting something; «he was responsible for the beginning of negotiations» induction — the act of bringing about something (especially at an early time); «the induction of an anesthetic state» product introduction — the introduction (usually by an advertising campaign) of a new product or product line ushering in — the introduction of something new; «it signalled the ushering in of a new era» naturalisation, naturalization — the introduction of animals or plants to places where they flourish but are not indigenous |
| 2. |  introduction — the first section of a communication
section, subdivision — a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical); «he always turns first to the business section»; «the history of this work is discussed in the next section» exordium — (rhetoric) the introductory section of an oration or discourse opening — the initial part of the introduction; «the opening established the basic theme» foreword, preface, prolusion — a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book preamble — a preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution (usually explaining its purpose) prolegomenon — a preliminary discussion inserted at the beginning of a book or treatise prologue — an introduction to a play recital, yarn, narration — the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events; «his narration was hesitant» speech, address — the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience; «he listened to an address on minor Roman poets» |
|
| 3. | introduction — formally making a person known to another or to the public
intro, presentation making known, informing — a speech act that conveys information debut — the presentation of a debutante in society reintroduction — an act of renewed introduction |
|
| 4. | introduction — a basic or elementary instructional text
school text, schoolbook, text edition, textbook, text — a book prepared for use in schools or colleges; «his economics textbook is in its tenth edition»; «the professor wrote the text that he assigned students to buy» |
|
| 5. | introduction — a new proposal; «they resisted the introduction of impractical alternatives»
proposal — something proposed (such as a plan or assumption) |
|
| 6. | introduction — the act of putting one thing into another
intromission, insertion movement — the act of changing the location of something; «the movement of cargo onto the vessel» cannulation, cannulisation, cannulization, canulation, canulisation, canulization, intubation — the insertion of a cannula or tube into a hollow body organ instillation, instillment, instilment — the introduction of a liquid (by pouring or injection) drop by drop enclosing, envelopment, inclosure, enclosure — the act of enclosing something inside something else injection — the forceful insertion of a substance under pressure blood transfusion, transfusion — the introduction of blood or blood plasma into a vein or artery perfusion — pumping a liquid into an organ or tissue (especially by way of blood vessels) |
|
| 7. |  introduction — the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new; «she looked forward to her initiation as an adult»; «the foundation of a new scientific society»
founding, instauration, origination, initiation, innovation, creation, institution, foundation commencement, start, beginning — the act of starting something; «he was responsible for the beginning of negotiations» authorship, paternity — the act of initiating a new idea or theory or writing; «the authorship of the theory is disputed» |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
introduction
noun
1. launch, institution, establishment, start, opening, beginning, pioneering, presentation, initiation, inauguration, induction, commencement, instigation He is remembered for the introduction of the moving assembly line.
launch completion, elimination, termination
3. opening, prelude, preface, lead-in, preliminaries, overture, preamble, foreword, prologue, intro (informal), commencement, opening remarks, proem, opening passage, prolegomena, prolegomenon, exordium In her introduction to the book she provides a summary of the ideas.
opening end, conclusion, epilogue
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
introduction
noun
1. The state of being allowed entry:
2. A short section of preliminary remarks:
The American Heritage® Roget’s Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
تَعْريف، تَقْديمتَقْديممُقَدِّمَةٌمُقَدِّمَهمقدمة
úvodzavedenípředmluvapředstavování
introduktionindførelse
esittelyjohdanto
uvođenje
kynningkynning, inngangur
紹介
소개
predstavovanie
uvodpredstavitevuvajanje
introduktionpresentation
การแนะนำ
sự giới thiệu
introduction
[ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən] N
Collins Spanish Dictionary — Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
introduction
[ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən] n
[legislation, reforms, measures] → introduction f
(to book, talk) → introduction f
the passage I quoted at the beginning of this introduction → le passage que j’ai cité en début d’introduction
the introduction to the book → l’introduction au livre
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
introduction
n
(= introductory part: to book, music) → Einleitung f → (to zu)
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
introduce
(intrəˈdjuːs) verb
1. (often with to) to make (people) known by name to each other. He introduced the guests (to each other); Let me introduce you to my mother; May I introduce myself? I’m John Brown.
2. (often with into) to bring in (something new). Grey squirrels were introduced into Britain from Canada; Why did you introduce such a boring subject (into the conversation)?
3. to propose or put forward. He introduced a bill in Parliament for the abolition of income tax.
4. (with to) to cause (a person) to get to know (a subject etc). Children are introduced to algebra at about the age of eleven.
ˌintroˈduction (-ˈdakʃən) noun
1. the act of introducing, or the process of being introduced. the introduction of new methods.
2. an act of introducing one person to another. The hostess made the introductions and everyone shook hands.
3. something written at the beginning of a book explaining the contents, or said at the beginning of a speech etc.
ˌintroˈductory (-ˈdaktəri) adjective
giving an introduction. He made a few introductory remarks about the film before showing it.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
introduction
→ مُقَدِّمَةٌ úvod introduktion Bekanntmachen σύσταση introducción esittely présentation uvođenje introduzione 紹介 소개 introductie introduksjon wprowadzenie introdução вступление introduktion การแนะนำ tanıtma sự giới thiệu 介绍
Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
1
a(1)
: a part of a book or treatise preliminary to the main portion
(2)
: a preliminary treatise or course of study
4
: something introduced
specifically
: a new or exotic plant or animal
Synonyms
Example Sentences
the introduction of telephone service to the area
Since its introduction last year, over a million copies of the software have been sold.
the introduction of evidence at the trial
the introduction of a new topic for conversation
the introduction of the bill to Congress
She told the audience, by way of introduction, that the research was completed a year ago.
the introduction of an Asian plant species to America
After a brief introduction, the performer took the stage.
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Doubling Electric Range The announcement also mentioned the introduction of a next-generation electric platform planned for around 2026, and today Toyota Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima said the company plans to double the driving range of its next-gen EVs.
—
Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 8 Apr. 2023
This confluence of events led some researchers to assert that the significant decrease in U.S. violent crimes between 1992 and 2002 was in large part due to the introduction of unleaded gas.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 2023
Experts believe this jump was due to fewer COVID-19 restrictions and more people going out, likely because of the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2023
The Detroit Tigers honored Cabrera, a future Hall of Famer and franchise icon, during Thursday’s pregame introductions before the final home opener of his playing career.
—Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 6 Apr. 2023
On the night of Nov. 1, 1991, Copa sat on the Spurs’ bench as fireworks exploded at HemisFair Arena during pregame introductions.
—Jeff Mcdonald, San Antonio Express-News, 6 Apr. 2023
During the introduction of Justin Thomas before a press conference at Augusta National Golf Club on Tuesday, the moderator noted the former Alabama All-American’s 57 birdies and eagles were tied for the most over the past three Masters.
—Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 6 Apr. 2023
The sport’s introduction of the pitch clock could also introduce ways for runners to time up pitchers to get a good jump, and there are also new limits on pickoff attempts.
—Nathan Ruiz, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2023
Jim Davis/Globe Staff Perhaps the most pathetic moment of the opener came during pregame introductions, when the Sox felt the need to oversell members of their staring lineup with résumé-bragging superlatives.
—Dan Shaughnessy, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘introduction.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English introduccioun act of introducing, from Anglo-French introduction, from Latin introduction-, introductio, from introducere
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of introduction was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near introduction
Cite this Entry
“Introduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introduction. Accessed 13 Apr. 2023.
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13 Apr 2023
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