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noun B1 Intermediate Common

introduction

ihnt-ruh-DUHKSHN

Introduction (noun) means the act of making people known to each other. Example: “After a brief introduction, the two business partners shook hands.”

noun
1
The act of making people known to each other.
"After a brief introduction, the two business partners shook hands."
2
An opening section of a book, article, or speech that sets up the topic.
"The introduction explains why the author chose this subject."

How to use introduction

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the act of meeting someone new, or the opening part of a piece of writing.

Common pairings
brief introduction formal introduction write an introduction

Word forms

introductions plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

After a brief _____, the two business partners shook hands.

Etymology

From Latin intrōductiō, from intrōdūcō ("to lead in").

Origin: Latin

presentation acquaintance first meeting isagoge lead-in lead lede

Related words

Rhymes for introduction

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Frequently asked questions

What does “introduction” mean?

The word “introduction” means the act of making people known to each other. In plain terms, either the act of meeting someone new, or the opening part of a piece of writing.

How do you pronounce “introduction”?

“Introduction” is pronounced ihnt-ruh-DUHKSHN (/ˌɪntɹəˈdʌkʃn̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “introduction” in a sentence?

Here is “introduction” used in a sentence: “After a brief introduction, the two business partners shook hands.”

What is another word for “introduction”?

Words with a similar meaning to “introduction” include isagoge, lead-in, lead and lede.

What part of speech is “introduction”?

“Introduction” is a noun.

Where does the word “introduction” come from?

The word “introduction” comes from Latin. From Latin intrōductiō, from intrōdūcō ("to lead in").

Is “introduction” a common word?

“Introduction” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “introduction” have?

“Introduction” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of making people known to each other.

What is an example of an introduction?

When you bring two people together and share their names — "Sarah, this is Tom" — that is an introduction. It can be formal, like presenting a speaker to an audience, or casual, like connecting two friends at a party. The aim is to make strangers known to one another so a relationship can begin.

What is the difference between an introduction and a greeting?

A greeting is what you say when you meet someone, like "hello" or "good morning," and it can happen with people you already know. An introduction is the act of making two people known to each other for the first time, usually by sharing their names and sometimes a little context about each.

How do you make a good introduction?

A good introduction states each person's name clearly and often adds a small detail that helps them connect, such as a shared interest or how you know them. In formal settings, tradition presents the less senior person to the more senior one. Warmth and clarity matter more than any strict rule.

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