What does introduction mean?
An introduction is the opening explanation, presentation, or set of remarks used to introduce a subject, person, work, or activity. In a book or lecture, it may provide background, define key ideas, and explain what will follow. In social or professional settings, it describes the act of presenting one person to another or bringing a new product, idea, or process to someone's attention. The phrase 'an introduction to' also commonly means a preliminary experience with a field or activity, as in an introduction to astronomy. The word is useful because it names both a familiar physical beginning and a broader process of acquaintance: a subject's introduction may be a passage on the first page, while a person's introduction may be the moment they first meet. Its usage is generally formal and neutral, ranging from academic writing and public speaking to everyday introductions at work or in social gatherings.
nounAn introduction is the opening explanation, presentation, or set of remarks that introduces a person, subject, work, or activity. It can also refer more broadly to the act or process of making someone or something known or familiar to others.
- The opening explanation or introductory section of a book, speech, presentation, or discussion.
- The act or process of presenting or introducing a person, subject, product, or idea to others.
- A person's first experience of someone or something, especially a new subject, activity, or environment.
"The introduction to the book explains why its author decided to write it."
"The speaker gave a brief introduction before beginning her presentation."
"This course provides an introduction to the history and culture of the region."
The plural is used for multiple introductory sections, presentations, or acts of making people or things known.
"The conference included introductions to the speakers and the main themes under discussion."
An introduction can be a book's opening pages, a new person's first meeting, or a subject's first lesson—all ways of opening a door.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does introduction come from?
The noun comes from Latin introductio, a noun formed from introducere, meaning 'to lead in' or 'to bring into.' The prefix intro- means 'inward' or 'into,' while ducere means 'to lead' or 'to bring.' English borrowed the word in the late Middle English period, initially in contexts involving bringing a person or subject before others, and it developed its modern sense of an opening or explanatory section. The same Latin root underlies related English words such as introduce and conduct, while other prefixed forms include deduction and production.
Related word forms
How introduction is actually used
In educational contexts, 'an introduction to' is commonly used to denote a preliminary or introductory treatment of a subject. The word is broadly formal but is also standard in general and academic usage; in some contexts, it may refer specifically to the opening section of a written or spoken work.
Easily confused with introduction
An introduction may introduce the subject, author, or general purpose of a work, whereas a preface is specifically a preliminary statement written before the main text, often by the author.