First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
introduce
verb in·tro·duce \ˌin-trə-ˈdüs, -ˈdyüs\
: to make (someone) known to someone else by name
: to cause (something) to begin to be used for the first time
: to make (something) available for sale for the first time
in·tro·ducedin·tro·duc·ing
Full Definition of INTRODUCE
transitive verb
1
: to lead or bring in especially for the first time <introduce a nonnative species>
2
a : to bring into play b : to bring into practice or use : institute
3
: to lead to or make known by a formal act, announcement, or recommendation: as a : to cause to be acquainted b : to present formally at court or into society c : to present or announce formally or officially or by an official reading <introduce legislation> d : to make preliminary explanatory or laudatory remarks about e : to bring (as an actor or singer) before the public for the first time
5
: to bring to a knowledge of something <introduced them to new ideas>
— in·tro·duc·er noun
See introduce defined for English-language learners
See introduce defined for kids
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Origin of INTRODUCE
Middle English, from Latin introducere, from intro- + ducere to lead — more at tow
Related to INTRODUCE
- Antonyms
- close (down), phase out, shut (up)
Synonym Discussion of INTRODUCE
introduce, insert, insinuate, interpolate, intercalate, interpose, interject mean to put between or among others. introduce is a general term for bringing or placing a thing or person into a group or body already in existence <introduced a new topic into the conversation>. insert implies putting into a fixed or open space between or among <inserted a clause in the contract>. insinuate implies introducing gradually or by gentle pressure <insinuated himself into the group>. interpolate applies to the inserting of something extraneous or spurious <interpolated her own comments into the report>. intercalate suggests an intrusive inserting of something in an existing series or sequence <new chapters intercalated with the old>. interpose suggests inserting an obstruction or cause of delay <interpose barriers to communication>. interject implies an abrupt or forced introduction <interjected a question>.
INTRODUCE Defined for Kids
introduce
verb in·tro·duce \ˌin-trə-ˈdüs, -ˈdyüs\
in·tro·ducedin·tro·duc·ing
Definition of INTRODUCE for Kids
1
: to cause to be acquainted : make known <Our new neighbor introduced herself.>
2
: to bring into practice or use <My teacher introduced a new rule.>
3
: to make available for sale for the first time <New fashions were introduced.>
4
: to bring forward for discussion or consideration <Her lawyer introduced new evidence.>
5
: to put in : insert <New computers have been introduced into the office.>
Word Root of INTRODUCE
The Latin word ducere, meaning “to lead,” and its form ductus give us the roots duc and duct. Words from the Latin ducere have something to do with leading. A duct is a tube that leads from one place or organ to another. To educate, or teach, is to lead to knowledge. To induce is to lead into a particular state.
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