introductory
Americanadjective
adjective
Synonym Usage
See preliminary.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of introductory
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin intrōductōrius, equivalent to Latin intrōduc-, variant stem of intrōdūcere ( see introduce) + -tōrius -tory 1
Explanation
Something introductory prefaces or explains what comes after it. An introductory paragraph at the start of your essay will sum up the ideas you plan to discuss. Introductory remarks before a speech will give some basic information about the speaker or her topic, and an introductory scene in a movie sets up the characters, time period, or setting so the story makes sense. This 17th century adjective is from the Latin word introductorius, from introducere, "to lead in," with its roots intro-, "inward," and ducere, "to lead."
Vocabulary lists containing introductory
Lessons 1–2
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Writing - High School
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Purpose
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Using Bayer's textbook comparison, imagine learning medicine from an introductory text and then encountering a rare disease that closely resembles a common condition.
From Science Daily • Jun. 11, 2026
Reliable VPNs are subscription-based, and prices may increase over time — many providers’ introductory rates jump significantly at renewal, so it’s worth checking what you’ll be paying after the first term.
From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026
During an introductory news conference earlier Friday, Simpson reiterated that he was eager to learn from Stafford and play for McVay.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026
He couldn’t navigate transitions into and out of baks, the introductory rhythmic cadences of Senegalese sabar music.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
Wilkerson ends a richly descriptive introductory chapter with a paragraph composed of exactly two syllables.
From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
