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."
"Thanks for the introduction; I had wanted to meet your sister for ages."
"At the party, her cousin made the introductions, and everyone began chatting."
2
An opening section of a book, article, or speech that sets up the topic.
"This book features a preface by a well-known botanist, and an introduction by the author's mentor at university."
"The introduction explains why the author chose this subject."
"I always read the introduction first to see what the book covers."
"Her speech had a short introduction, a clear middle and a funny ending."
How to use introduction
Learner’s notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like introduction.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- introductions
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").
Synonyms
View more →
presentation
acquaintance
first meeting
foundation
entry
creation
founding
debut
isagoge
lead-in
lead
lede
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for introduction
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for introduction →
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include introduction:
