- introduction
- introduction [in΄trəduk′shən]n.[ME introduccion < MFr introduction < L introductio]1. an introducing or being introduced2. anything introduced, or brought into use, knowledge, or fashion3. anything that introduces, or prepares the way for; specif.,a) the preliminary section of a book, often having material considered essential to an understanding of the main textb) the preliminary part of a speech, treatise, etc.c) an opening section of a musical compositiond) a preliminary guide or text4. the formal presentation of one person to another, to an audience, to society, etc.SYN.- INTRODUCTION, in strict usage, refers to the preliminary section of a book, etc. that explains and leads into the subject proper; PREFACE refers to a statement preliminary to a book, written by the author or editor and explaining the purpose, plan, or preparation of the work; the preface may also include acknowledgments for help or for permissions granted for use of previously published material; FOREWORD is a brief preface written by someone other than the author; PREAMBLE refers to a formal, but usually brief, introduction to a constitution, treaty, etc.; PROLOGUE applies to the preliminary section as of a play or poem, serving as an introduction and, in the play, frequently spoken by one of the characters-ANT. CONCLUSION, EPILOGUE
English World dictionary. V. Neufeldt. 2014.