introductory

Sometimes in·tro·duc·tive

[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

Other Word Forms

• introductorily adverb
• introductoriness noun
• subintroductive adjective
• subintroductory adjective
• unintroductive adjective
• unintroductory 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

Children were among those on the Wacky Worm ride, which is described as a "small introductory roller coaster" on its website, when the incident occurred.

From BBC

The team scheduled Son’s introductory news conference for 2 p.m. local time — or 6 a.m. in South Korea.

From Los Angeles Times

He agreed to go to Mississippi State in 2015, ringing a cowbell at his introductory news conference and getting to know quirky football coach Mike Leach.

From Los Angeles Times

Second, we think it’s important for the industry to acknowledge that friendly, introductory experiences are important for onboarding new generations of gamers.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to the dance room, there’s an introductory entryway, a gloomy nighttime space and a car culture gallery.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inaugural 
• preparatory