To bring someone or something into use or operation for the first time. To present someone formally to another person.
From Latin 'introducere' where 'intro-' (inward, into) + 'ducere' (to lead) meant 'to lead into.' The word entered English through Old French 'introduire' in the 14th century, preserving the sense of leading something or someone into a new situation or place.
Think about it: when you 'introduce' someone, you're literally 'leading them into' a social situation! The Latin root reveals that introduction has always been about guidance and transition. It shares this leading quality with 'conduct' and 'educate' — all involve guiding movement or change.
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