introduce
Definitions
To present someone by name to another person for the first time.
介绍（人与人相识）
To bring something into use or operation for the first time.
引入；采用（新事物、新方法）
To begin a topic, work, or speech by presenting a preliminary part.
引出（话题、演讲）
To put or insert something into a place.
把……放入；加入
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedintro- (inward) + duce (lead) = 'to lead inside.' You lead a friend into a group; you lead a new product into the market; you lead a topic into a conversation; you lead a substance into a container. Every use is leading something into a new space.
Root duc still carries 35 more wordsWhy It Means This
Introduce captures the most basic social act in modern life: bringing someone into a circle. From this it extends to bringing a product to market, a bill to parliament, a topic to a discussion, or a substance to a system. The verb is intuitive across languages because the image — leading someone into a new space — is universal. Note that English speakers «introduce themselves» (announce their own name) — a slightly self-recursive use of the verb.
Usage Guide
- People: 'let me introduce you to my colleague' — social
- New thing: 'introduce a new policy / product / feature' — bring into use
- Topic: 'introduce a topic / theme' — bring to attention
- Insert: 'introduce evidence,' 'introduce DNA into cells' — technical
- Pattern: «introduce X to Y» (introduce me to her); «introduce X into Y» (introduce salt into the recipe)
Example Sentences
- 1.
May I introduce you to my sister?
- 2.
The company will introduce a new product next month.
- 3.
Let me introduce the topic of climate change.