introductory

[ in-truh-duhk-tuh-ree ]

adjective

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

   an introductory course; an introductory paragraph.

introductory

/ ˌɪntrəˈdʌktərɪ; -trɪ /

adjective

1. serving as an introduction; preliminary; prefatory

Derived Forms

• ˌintroˈductorily, adverb
• ˌintroˈductoriness, noun

Other Words From

• intro·ducto·ri·ly adverb
• intro·ducto·ri·ness noun
• subin·tro·ductive adjective
• subin·tro·ducto·ry adjective
• unin·tro·ductive adjective
• unin·tro·ducto·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of introductory¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin intrōductōrius, equivalent to Latin intrōduc-, variant stem of intrōdūcere ( introduce ) + -tōrius -tory ¹

Synonym Study

See preliminary.

Example Sentences

“I finally got you,” Robinson announced at Dickerson’s introductory news conference.

From Los Angeles Times

Those are just the highlights of some of the introductory speeches before Trump came on and did his usual schtick which had people leaving the venue in droves.

From Salon

Listing these catch-up details reveals the introductory episodes’ overemphasis on the situation instead of leaning into the comedy of it all.

From Salon

Another theme is to believe, a term he used repeatedly in his introductory news conference last month.

From Los Angeles Times

After a moment of introductory feedback, they began with 1976’s “Long May You Run,” title song from their only release as a duo.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inaugural
• preparatory