introductory

/ɪntrəˈdʌkɾəri/

/ɪntrəˈdʌktəri/

Other forms: introductorily

Something introductory prefaces or explains what comes after it. An introductory paragraph at the start of your essay will sum up the ideas you plan to discuss.

Introductory remarks before a speech will give some basic information about the speaker or her topic, and an introductory scene in a movie sets up the characters, time period, or setting so the story makes sense. This 17th century adjective is from the Latin word introductorius, from introducere, "to lead in," with its roots intro-, "inward," and ducere, "to lead."

Definitions of introductory

1. adjective

   serving to open or begin
   “began the slide show with some introductory remarks”

   synonyms:

   opening

   first or beginning
2. adjective

   serving as an introduction or preface
   synonyms: prefatorial, prefatory

   preceding

   existing or coming before
3. adjective

   serving as a base or starting point
   “an introductory art course”

   synonyms: basic

   first

   preceding all others in time or space or degree