introduce
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɪntrədjˈuːs/
US
- /ˌɪntrəˈdus/
- /ˌɪntroʊˈdus/
Description
- present to others
- bring in
- start talking about
- launch something new
To introduce someone is to present them to another person for the first time, as in "Let me introduce you to my friend Sarah." But this word is not only about people. You can introduce a new topic into a conversation, and a company can introduce a new product. The idea is to bring someone or something into notice for the first time. Think of it like opening a door so that person, thing, or idea can enter the scene. A cook might introduce new flavors to a dish, while a teacher introduces students to new ideas.
The word "introduce" has several layers of meaning, but at its heart, it is about making something known or bringing something new into a place, discussion, or experience. Most commonly, we think of introducing people: "Allow me to introduce my colleague, Dr. Ramirez." This means formally presenting one person to another for the first time, establishing their names and connection.
However, "introduce" extends far beyond personal introductions. You can introduce a topic, like saying, "Today I want to introduce the subject of climate change," meaning you are beginning a discussion about it. Companies introduce new products or services to the market, making them available for the first time. A writer might introduce a character into a story, revealing their presence and personality.
The act of introducing often implies a degree of formality or intention. It is not just happening randomly; someone is actively bringing something new to attention. You can also use "introduce" with "into," for example, "She introduced a sense of calm into the chaotic room." This means she brought that quality into the situation.
Historically, "introduce" comes from the Latin word introducere, meaning "to lead in." This origin helps explain its core meaning: bringing something forward and making it accessible.
So whether you are connecting people, launching products, starting conversations, or adding new elements to a situation, "introduce" is about bringing someone or something into view, use, or experience for the first time.
Examples
- 1
Personal introduction
Let me introduce you to my sister.
- 2
Self-introduction
She stood up and introduced herself to the class.
- 3
Classroom teaching
The teacher introduced a new word at the start of the lesson.
- 4
New interest
That book introduced me to Japanese cooking.
Pattern
introduce someone to + topic/activity
help them discover or start learning about it
- 5
Job role
The manager introduced the new employee as our lead designer.
Pattern
introduce someone as + role/position
say what their role or position is
- 6
Product launch
The company plans to introduce a cheaper version next year.
- 7
Public policy
The city introduced a ban on smoking in public parks.
Pattern
introduce a rule/law/policy
start using it officially
- 8
Unwanted effects
The new software introduced several problems we had not expected.
- 9
Cooking instruction
Try not to introduce too much air into the mixture.
Pattern
introduce X into Y
add X to a place, substance, or system
- 10
Academic writing
In the final paragraph, she introduces the idea that memory can change over time.
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- introduceverb
Forms
- introducedpast tenseverb
- introducing-ing formverb
- introducesverb