introduction
/ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən/ (ame, mw)
introduction — noun
- introductionsingular
- introductionsplural
1. the event or process of making a new system, practice, or piece of technology av
the event or process of making a new system, practice, or piece of technology available so that people can begin to use it.
The introduction of the new subway line cut travel time across the city by half.
collocation: introduction of [system]
Many farmers welcomed the introduction of drought-resistant rice seeds last spring.
collocation: welcome the introduction of [beneficial thing]
After the introduction of plastic banknotes, the old paper bills were gradually removed from circulation.
The company's introduction of a four-day work week led to higher employee satisfaction.
There was strong public opposition to the introduction of higher tuition fees.
- launch
More commercially focused; used for products, campaigns, or brands that are actively promoted to the public.
- rollout
Emphasises gradual, phased implementation, often across multiple locations or regions.
- inception
Formal; refers to the very beginning or starting point of an institution, idea, or project.
- withdrawal
The removal or ending of something that had been introduced.
- abolition
The formal ending of a system, practice, or institution.
文法句型
the introduction of [something]
用法筆記
This sense of introduction focuses on the process or event of making something new available, not on the physical act of inserting one object into another — see sense 7 for that meaning.
常見錯誤
2. the moment when you say a person's name to another individual so that the two ca
the moment when you say a person's name to another individual so that the two can get to know each other, sometimes with a brief description of who each person is.
Tuan made a brief introduction before stepping aside to let them talk.
pattern: make a [adjective] introduction
The host handled all the introductions so that no guest was left standing alone.
Layla forgot the introduction and simply started talking as if everyone already knew each other.
A proper introduction usually includes each person's name and a short description of their role.
- presentation
More formal; often used in official or ceremonial contexts rather than casual meetings.
文法句型
make an introduction
do the introductions
用法筆記
Often used in the plural (introductions) when referring to a round of name-sharing among several people. The verb phrase 'make the introductions' is a fixed collocation — the person doing this is sometimes called the introducer.
常見錯誤
3. the first meeting or social occasion in which two or more people learn each othe
the first meeting or social occasion in which two or more people learn each other's names and begin to get to know one another.
Christopher had an awkward introduction to his new colleagues on the first day of work.
pattern: have an [adjective] introduction to [people]
The introduction between the two research teams took place at a small coffee shop.
Noor smiled warmly at everyone during the introduction, though she felt quite nervous inside.
Our introduction was brief because the train arrived just as Anong began speaking.
文法句型
an introduction to [someone]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2: sense 2 focuses on the action of telling names, while this sense focuses on the social event or encounter that follows the naming. You 'make an introduction' (sense 2) that leads to 'an introduction' between people (sense 3).
4. the opening section of a book, speech, article, or performance that prepares the
the opening section of a book, speech, article, or performance that prepares the audience for what follows.
In the introduction to her novel, Élise describes the landscape of her childhood home.
pattern: in the introduction to [text]
Amelia skipped the introduction and went straight to the first chapter.
The professor spent the entire first lecture reading the introduction aloud to the class.
A short musical introduction played before the singer walked onto the stage.
The introduction of the report summarised the key findings in just three pages.
- conclusion
The closing section of a work.
- epilogue
A section at the end of a book or play that comments on or wraps up the story.
文法句型
the introduction to [book/speech/report]
用法筆記
This sense applies to any structured work — written (books, reports, articles), spoken (speeches, lectures), or performed (music, theatre). The introduction usually comes before the main body or first chapter.
5. a person's first encounter with a particular activity, subject, place, or type o
a person's first encounter with a particular activity, subject, place, or type of thing, which gives them an initial taste of it.
Hoa's introduction to jazz music was a dusty record she found at a charity shop.
pattern: [possessive] introduction to [thing]
For Stefan, his introduction to rock climbing came during a school trip to the mountains.
Lakshmi's introduction to spicy food was a bowl of noodles that made her eyes water.
An introduction to classical ballet at age six can spark a lifelong passion for dance.
- first taste
More informal and figurative; suggests a small or limited first experience.
- baptism
Figurative; implies a challenging or intense first encounter ('baptism by fire').
文法句型
an introduction to [activity/field/thing]
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'to' + the thing experienced. The emphasis is on the first-time nature — this sense describes the entry point into an area of knowledge or activity, not merely any initial exposure.
常見錯誤
6. a book, course, or textbook that teaches the basic facts and ideas of a subject
a book, course, or textbook that teaches the basic facts and ideas of a subject to people who are new to it.
Nicholas bought 'An Introduction to Philosophy' for his first semester at university.
title pattern: An Introduction to [Subject]
The course 'Introduction to Graphic Design' covers colour theory, typography, and layout basics.
Dylan found the introduction to programming textbook easy to follow thanks to its clear diagrams.
Tariro signed up for 'Introduction to Psychology' because she wanted to understand how memory works.
This introduction to economics assumes no prior knowledge of the subject.
- primer
A short introductory book that covers the absolute basics; less common in course names.
- beginners' guide
More informal; often used for hobby or practical-skills books rather than academic subjects.
- advanced course
A course designed for learners who already know the basics.
- specialised text
A book focused on a narrow topic within a field, not for beginners.
文法句型
An Introduction to [Subject]
用法筆記
Often capitalised as part of a course or book title (Introduction to...). These materials are designed for beginners — do not use this sense when referring to advanced or specialised texts on the same subject.
常見錯誤
7. the act of placing one object or substance inside another, especially in a medic
the act of placing one object or substance inside another, especially in a medical procedure or a technical process.
The careful introduction of a thin tube into the airway helped the patient breathe.
pattern: introduction of [tool] into [body part]
Doctors monitored the introduction of the contrast dye into the patient's bloodstream during the scan.
The introduction of a probe into the pipe helped engineers find the blockage.
Sterile tools and a clean environment are essential during the introduction of any medical implant.
- removal
The act of taking something out.
- extraction
Pulling something out, often with force or care.
文法句型
the introduction of [something] into [something]
用法筆記
This technical sense is distinct from sense 1: sense 1 is about making a system or practice available (e.g., 'introduction of a new policy'), whereas this sense describes a literal physical placement of one thing into another. Most common in medical, surgical, and engineering contexts.