introductory
UK[ˌɪntrəˈdʌktəri]US[ˌɪntrəˈdʌktəri]
adj
serving as an introduction to a subject or topic; basic or preliminary.
adj
intended to persuade someone to buy something for the first time, often at a reduced price.
Morpheme Breakdown
intro
duct
ory
intro
inward, to the inside
duct
lead
ory
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word introductory is built on the latin verb introducere, meaning "to lead in" or "to bring in". this verb itself is a compound of the prefix intro- ("inward") and the verb ducere ("to lead"). the english adjective was formed by adding the suffix -ory to the past participial stem of this verb, creating a form that means "serving to lead in". thus, the literal sense of "leading someone into" a subject logically evolved into the modern meaning of providing initial or preliminary information about it.
Analysis
Structure: intro (inward, to the inside) + duct (lead) + ory (adjective suffix)
intro: from latin intro-, meaning "inward, to the inside". a prefix indicating direction.
duct: from latin ducere, meaning "to lead". a verb root.
ory: from latin -orius, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "pertaining to, serving for".
Examples
the book includes an introductory chapter outlining the main arguments.
the professor gave an introductory lecture on ancient philosophy.
the bank is offering an introductory rate for new customers.