Introduction: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when starting any written work or speech to set the stage or give an overview of what will follow.

• The introduction of this book provides a summary of the key concepts.
• I will give a brief introduction before our meeting begins.

This section precedes the main text and is written by the author to explain why they wrote the book, how it was developed, or to acknowledge contributions.

• In the preface, the author shares her journey of writing the novel.
• The preface gives insights into the challenges faced during the research.

Commonly used in fiction, particularly plays, to set the scene for the story by providing background information or earlier events. Often a brief narrative before the main plot begins.

• The prologue in the play introduces the history of the two feuding families.
• In the prologue, the mysterious events that occurred years ago are revealed.

This is often written by someone other than the author, typically an expert or a notable figure, to endorse or provide a background for the main text.

• The foreword by the renowned scientist adds credibility to the author's work.
• In the foreword, the professor explains the significance of the research.

This word is generally used to describe the beginning section of any piece of writing, speech, or presentation where the main topics are introduced.

• In the introduction of his book, he discusses the main themes
• Her introduction to the conference was warmly received

Commonly used to refer to an introductory piece of music or an event that comes before and signals the approach of another event, often suggesting something more significant to follow.

• The piano prelude set the tone for the evening's concert
• Their argument was just a prelude to the bigger fight that followed

Often used in a musical context, particularly classical music, to describe an instrumental introduction to an opera, ballet, or other musical work. It can also mean an initial proposal or gesture towards a relationship or agreement.

• The orchestra played a beautiful overture to the opera
• He made an overture to form a business partnership

Used when beginning a piece of writing, speech, or presentation, to provide an initial section that presents the topic and sets the tone.

• In the introduction of her essay, she outlined the main arguments.
• The introduction of the report offers a brief summary of the findings.

Used to describe a brief and general summary of a larger body of work or subject matter, often to provide a quick insight or summary.

• The first chapter provides an overview of the book's main themes.
• During the meeting, she gave an overview of the project's status.

Appropriate when providing a detailed account or clarification of a particular topic or concept.

• He gave a clear explanation of how the new software works.
• The teacher's explanation helped the students understand the complex theory.