introductory
Americanadjective
adjective
Related Words
See preliminary.
Other Word Forms
- introductorily adverb
- introductoriness noun
- subintroductive adjective
- subintroductory adjective
- unintroductive adjective
- unintroductory adjective
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Writing - High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Purpose
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Each gallery has an introductory wall text and the objects in it are identified by artist, date and the like.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
He said the meeting was only introductory, the journalist wasn't a client and he didn't believe he had given regulated immigration advice.
From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026
Those paying out of pocket might find that their discounts have usage caps or introductory offers.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026
After we had scheduled an introductory phone call, she wrote again:
From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026
If you use one of these introductory expressions, remember: One is is enough.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
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.
