introductory
Americanadjective
adjective
Synonym Usage
See preliminary.
Other Word Forms
Derived 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
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.
Kaziha would stock the mosque’s store with books, always anticipating the community’s needs, finding introductory prayer books and Spanish translations for the mosque’s growing Latino population.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
The team also marked the beginning of testing with a symbolic moment by sending an email titled "Hello Universe," referencing the famous introductory messages used during the early days of computer programming.
From Science Daily • May 15, 2026
Many had attended and been impressed by one of Steyer’s town hall forums across the state, where he kept his introductory remarks short in favor of long question-and-answer sessions with audiences.
From Salon • May 6, 2026
Novo sells its Wegovy pen for as little as $199 a month as part of an introductory offer for self-pay patients, with the price rising to $349 after two months.
From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026
It’s the introductory art history course for freshmen.
From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson
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.
