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introduce

v.
US //ˌɪntɹəˈdus// UK //ˌɪntɹədjˈuːs// in·tro·duce
  1. 1 presenting people (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to tell two people each other's names when they meet for the first time.

    to make people known to one another by name, typically in a social or professional context. Transitive; usually takes 'to'.

    Example

    I would like to introduce you to my colleague, Sarah.

    Example

    The host took a moment to introduce the guest speaker to the board members before the formal dinner began.

    Usage

    Takes a direct object followed by 'to'.
    Pitfall
    I introduced him with my sister.
    I introduced him to my sister.

    Use the preposition 'to' when introducing one person to another.

  2. 2 starting something new (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to bring a new idea, product, or law into a place for the first time.

    to bring something into use, practice, or existence for the first time within a specific environment.

    Example

    The company plans to introduce a new smartphone model next month.

    Example

    The government decided to introduce stricter environmental regulations to combat the rising levels of industrial pollution in the region.
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  1. 3 opening a topic (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to provide the first part of a book, speech, or piece of music.

    to present or announce a topic, person, or work to an audience as an opening.

    Example

    The author uses the first chapter to introduce the main characters.

    Example

    The moderator will introduce the debate topic by providing a brief historical overview of the conflict.
  2. 4 inserting a substance (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    to put something into a system, mixture, or body.

    to insert or add a substance or element into a closed system or medium.

    Example

    The doctor had to introduce a small tube into the patient's vein.

    Example

    The researchers introduced a specific catalyst into the chemical mixture to observe how it would accelerate the reaction.
Origin

From Middle English introducen, from Old French introduire, from Latin intrōdūcō, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European h₁énteros (“inner, what is inside”) and dewk-.

Word family

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