the first part of a book, essay, speech, or similar work that explains what it will be about
I always read the introduction before starting the first chapter.
The professor’s lecture began with a clear introduction to the topic.
✦ Sense developed in 16th-century English to refer to the opening section of a written work.
the formal act of making two or more people known to each other
“May I make an introduction? This is my sister, Emily,” he said with a smile.
After a brief introduction, the guests began to mingle around the garden.
✦ late Middle English, from Latin introductio, from introducere ‘lead in’.
the act of bringing something into use or existence for the first time
The introduction of electric cars has changed the automobile industry.
Many jobs were created after the introduction of the new tax policy.
✦ Industrial-era extension of the base sense “to bring in”, applied to new products and policies.
a beginner-level course, book, or talk that teaches the basic facts about a subject
I’m taking an Introduction to Philosophy this semester.
The book “An Introduction to Robotics” explains concepts in simple language.
✦ Pedagogical sense arose in the 19th century as universities expanded subject surveys.
a short opening passage of music that comes before the main part of a piece
The song’s piano introduction is calm before the drums kick in.
The orchestra rehearsed the slow introduction several times.
✦ Borrowed into musical terminology in the 18th century to describe an opening segment.
