Introductorymeant for beginners; giving a basic first look at a topic is an adjectivea word that describes a noun or pronoun used for something that comes at the beginning, helps start something, or gives a first-levelsimple or basic, not advanced introduction to a subject.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˌɪntrəˈdʌktəri/
Easy pronunciation: in-truh-DUK-tuh-ree (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on DUK; secondary stress on the first syllable.
Used for the sense of serving as a base or starting point; basic or for beginners.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Introductory Meaning
basic; for beginners or a first stage
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: serving as a base or starting point
Example: an introductory art course
Synonyms for this meaning:
- basic — Works well for the sense of a first or beginner-level stage.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Introductory
Meaning 2
meant to introduce something before the main part
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: serving as an introduction or preface
Example: prefatory remarks before the talk
Synonyms for this meaning:
- prefatory — A direct synonym when something comes before the main text or main event.
- prefatorial — A less common but valid adjective for a preface or introduction.
Meaning 3
used at the start of something
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: serving to open or begin
Example: began the slide show with some introductory remarks
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Introductory Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- basic
meant to introduce or come before the main part
- prefatory
- prefatorial
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Don't confuse introductory with introductory-level only in a school setting; it can also mean a first or opening part of something.
- Don't use prefatory for every meaning of introductory; it is mainly for a preface or opening remarks.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does introductory mean?
Introductory means at the beginning, intended as a first step, or used to introduce something.
What is a synonym for introductory?
Basic is a strong synonym in the sense of beginner-level or first-stage. For a preface or opening remarks, prefatory is a better synonym.
What is an introductory course?
An introductory course is a first-level course that gives a basic overview of a subject.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.