introduce

in·tro·duce

verb \ˌin-trə-ˈdüs, -ˈdyüs\

in·tro·ducedin·tro·duc·ing

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

4

: place, insert <introduce foreign genes into crops>

5

: to bring to a knowledge of something <introduced them to new ideas>

— in·tro·duc·er noun

Examples of INTRODUCE

1. Let me introduce myself: my name is John Smith.
2. They have been slow to introduce changes in procedure.
3. The designer is introducing a new line of clothes.
4. He introduced several issues during the meeting.
5. New evidence was introduced at the trial.
6. introduce a bill to Congress

Origin of INTRODUCE

Middle English, from Latin introducere, from intro- + ducere to lead — more at tow

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to INTRODUCE

Synonyms: acquaint, present

Antonyms: close (down), phase out, shut (up)

Related Words: address, greet, hail, meet; reacquaint, reintroduce

Near Antonyms: censor, hush (up), quiet, silence, suppress

see all synonyms and antonyms

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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>.