introductory

American  

[in-truh-duhk-tuh-ree] / ˌɪn trəˈdʌk tə ri /

Sometimes introductive

adjective

1. serving or used to introduce; preliminary; beginning.

   an introductory course; an introductory paragraph.

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introductory British  

/ ˌɪntrəˈdʌktərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. serving as an introduction; preliminary; prefatory

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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 ( introduce ) + -tōrius -tory ¹

Example Sentences

Powell spoke at a moderated discussion with Harvard’s introductory economics class at Sanders Theatre on Monday afternoon, fielding questions from Harvard economist David Laibson and students in the audience.

From Barron's

Many advisers offer a free introductory meeting to provide a general overview of how they’d manage your money.

From MarketWatch

Early on, students from nearby colleges would appear at the space, including Steve Martin, whose signed photograph graces a celebrity wall in the Bird Cage’s introductory hall.

From Los Angeles Times

I have used this example in every introductory business course I have taught since then.

From The Wall Street Journal

The introductory text claims that the show asks not only what art “is being made but also what it means to name something ‘American’ at all.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• inaugural
• preparatory