| 释义 |
introduction|ɪntrəʊˈdʌkʃən|
Forms: 4–6 introduccion, 4–5 -ccioun, 5 -xion, (6 -ctyon), 6– introduction.
[a. F. introduction (14th c. in Hatz.-Darm.), ad. L. intrōductiōn-em, n. of action from intrōdūcĕre to introduce: cf. also OF. entroduction teaching, instruction (15th c. in Godef.).]
1. a. The action of introducing; a leading or bringing in; a bringing into use or practice, bringing in in speech or writing, insertion, etc.
1651Hobbes Leviath. ii. xxiv. 128 The Introduction of Propriety is an effect of Common-wealth. 1710Steele Tatler No. 127 ⁋3 If we consult the Collegiates of Moorfields, we shall find most of them are beholden to their Pride for their Introduction into that magnificent Palace. 1829in Willis & Clark Cambridge (1886) III. 104 The Lecture Room..must be so placed, as to admit the introduction of the Sun's light for two or three hours in the middle of the day. 1871R. F. Weymouth Euph. 3 The mere introduction of new words was not an object of Lilie's ambition. 1875Jowett Plato (ed. 2) IV. 228 There is no reason for the introduction of such a digression. 1879Lubbock Sci. Lect. v. 155 The period immediately before the introduction of metal.
b. Something introduced; a practice or thing newly brought in, etc.
1603Florio Montaigne i. xliii. (1897) II. 173 Others like new-fangled and vicious introductions [aultres pareilles introductions]. 1866Rogers Agric. & Prices I. xxiv. 615 This fish was a late introduction.
†c. An inference. Obs. rare.
1632Lithgow Trav. iii. 107 Many other introductions flow from his shallow base-branded apprehension which I purposely omit.
d. The issuing of new shares by a company not directly to the public but through the medium of the Stock Exchange.
1929Economist 27 July 175/1 The Stock Exchange ‘introduction’ (as distinct from the issue by prospectus or offer for sale) will fill an increasingly important rôle. 1966P. A. S. Taylor New Dict. Econ. 152 Introduction, the offer of a new issue to the public, not directly but through the Stock Exchange... This method does away with part of normal new issue procedure, but necessitates that there should be a large body of shareholders, securities available to start the market, and no large ‘deal’ involved in the marketing of the securities. 1970G. D. Newbould Business Finance iii. 193 Two less common techniques are the public issue and the introduction... The introduction is unique, since there is no formal issue of shares... The introduction can be used only where there are a sufficient number of shareholders to ensure a market when quotation is granted. 1971J. Bates Financing Small Business (ed. 2) vi. 95 The Stock Exchange introduction is effectively an application by the issuing house on behalf of the shareholders for shares to be quoted on a Stock Exchange.
†2. The action or process of leading to or preparing the way for something; that which leads on to some result; a preliminary or initiatory step or stage. Obs.
c1386Chaucer Can. Yeom. Prol. & T. 833 Thus maketh he his introduccion To brynge folk to [hir] destruccion. a1450Fysshynge w. Angle (1883) 24 The barbyll..is a quasy meete and a peryllous for mannys body. For comynly he yeuyth an introduxion to þe Febres. a1548Hall Chron., Rich. III 42 b, Bondes and pactes..betwene princes..are the cause efficient and especiall introduction that their realmes and countries are fortified..with a double power. 1660R. Coke Power & Subj. 133 Obedience is..the first and only introduction to all virtues Theological and Moral.
†3. Initiation in the knowledge of a subject; instruction in rudiments, elementary teaching. Obs.
c1430Art Nombryng (E.E.T.S.) 1 Algorisme..is had ofe en or in, and gogos that is introduccioun, and Rithmus nombre, that is to say Interduccioun of nombre. c1477Caxton Jason 124 b, Peleus had a wil for to be Reduyte into yong age as the king your fadre is by myn Introduccion. 1559W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 13, I wyll give you some introduction into the celestiall sphere. 1597Hooker Eccl. Pol. v. xviii. §3 For the first introduction of youth to the knowledge of God, the Jews even till this day have their Catechisms. 1702R. Morden (title) Introduction to Astronomy, Geography, Navigation and other Mathematical Sciences made easy, by the Description and Uses of the Cœlestial and Terrestial Globes.
4. That which leads to the knowledge or understanding of something.
†a. In early use, That which initiates in a subject, a first lesson; in pl., rudiments, elements (obs.).
c1530L. Cox Rhet. (1899) 87 This shall be sufficyent for an introductyon to yonge begynners, for whom all-onely this boke is made. 1561T. Norton Calvin's Inst. iii. ii. (1634) 257 They which are not yet instructed in the first introductions. 1643Sir T. Browne Relig. Med. ii. §11 He that understands not thus much, hath not his introductions or first lesson. 1671Milton P.R. iii. 247 The monarchies of the earth, their pomp and state, Sufficient introduction to inform Thee, of thyself so apt, in regal arts.
b. A preliminary explanation prefixed to or included in a book or other writing; the part of a book which leads up to the subject treated, or explains the author's design or purpose. Also, the corresponding part of a speech, lecture, etc.
1529More Suppl. Soulys Wks. 291/2 He so deuyseth his introduccion, as all hys purpose shoulde haue a gret face of charitie, by that he speaketh all in the name of the pore beggars. 1531in Pol. Rel. & L. Poems 35 The Newe testament in englissh, with a Introduction to the Epistle to the Romaynes. 1559W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 1 An Isagoge, or Introduction unto the hole worke. 1617Moryson Itin. iii. 181 Of the..Bohemians Commonwealth, under which title I containe an Historicall introduction; the Princes pedegrees [etc.]. 1749Fielding Tom Jones Contents i. i, The Introduction to the Work, or Bill of Fare to the Feast. 1860Tyndall Glac. ii. i. 224 A few remarks on the nature of sound will form a fit introduction. 1861Sat. Rev. 7 Dec. 587 Mr. Wright's Introduction is what an Introduction of this sort should be..a commentary on the pieces edited, and nothing more.
c. A text-book or treatise intended as a manual for beginners, or explaining the elementary principles of a subject.
1540(title) An Introduction to Wysedome, made by Ludouicus Viues, and translated into Englyshe by Rycharde Morysine. 1546(title) An Introduction for to lerne to reckon with the Pen, or with the Counters [etc.]. 1603Holland Plutarch's Mor. 58 When their books, and pettie introductions are laid out of their hands..a man shall find them as raw as other. 1769Priestley (title) An Introduction to the Study of Electricity. 1849Parker (title) Architectural Manual: An Introduction to the Study of Gothic Architecture. 1894A. J. Balfour Found. Belief Prelim. 1 Sometimes, by an Introduction to a subject is meant a brief survey of its leading principles.
d. A course of study preliminary and preparatory to some special study; matter introductory to the special study of some subject, e.g. of a book or document of the Bible; isagoge.
1874J. Fergusson Hist. Archit. (ed. 2) I. i. iv. i. 283 The study of Etruscan art is a necessary introduction to that of Roman. 1883Briggs Bibl. Study iv. 76 The dogmatical method of Biblical Introduction is contrary to the genius of biblical study. 1899Expositor Jan. 1 To sift preliminary questions such as are dealt with in ‘Introductions’ is out⁓side my present purpose.
5. a. The action of introducing or making known personally; esp. the formal presentation of one person to another, or of persons to each other, with communication of names, titles, etc.
1711Pope Let. to H. Cromwell 21 Dec., I would willingly return Mr. Gay my Thanks for the Favour of his Poem..I..shou'd have been very glad to have contributed to it's Introduction into the World. 1766Goldsm. Vic. W. v, He seemed to want no introduction, but was going to salute my daughters as one certain of a kind reception. 1814Jane Austen Mansf. Park II. ii, Maria saw with delight and agitation the introduction of the man she loved to her father. 1873J. H. Newman Hist. Sk. II. Pref. 6 To you..I owe my introduction to a large circle of friends. 1876Mrs. Whitney Sights & Ins., My first introduction to her,—I do not mean the naming of our names by a third person.
b. letter of introduction, or ellipt. introduction: a letter given by one person to another, introducing him to the acquaintance of a third person.
1801C. Wilmot Let. 13 Dec. in Irish Peer (1920) 14 Mr. Holcroft, to whom Lady Mount Cashell had a letter of introduction. 1816‘Quiz’ Grand Master i. 24 The youth..Receives..A letter, too, of introduction. 1816Jane Austen Emma II. xiv. 267 The idea of her being indebted to Mrs. Elton for what was called an introduction—of her going into public under the auspices of a friend of Mrs. Elton's. 1827Lytton Pelham x, I lost no time in presenting my letters of introduction. 1832G. Downes Lett. Cont. Countries I. 529, I had an introduction to M. Charles Vernet, but of course refrained from delivering it. 1885A. Edwardes Girton Girl III. xv. 267 It was well for her, she said, to..look at Newnham and Girton from without, before delivering her letters of introduction. 1949Radio Times 15 July 6/3 The BBC's New York office has given me introductions to the broadcasting people in Montreal. 1969L. Hellman Unfinished Woman vii. 81, I had sent off a few letters of introduction, but..they weren't answered.
c. The process of becoming acquainted, or that makes one acquainted, with a thing.
1808Jane Austen Let. 26 June (1952) 200 They have nice weather for their introduction to the Island. 1888J. Inglis Tent Life Tigerland 344 My first introduction to one of these horrid holes was nearly making an end of me altogether.
6. Mus. A preparatory passage or movement at the beginning of a piece of music.
1880C. H. H. Parry in Grove's Dict. Mus. II. 13/2 In great orchestral works, such as symphonies, Haydn usually commences with a set and formal Introduction in a slow tempo.
7. attrib., as introduction piece, introduction stage, introduction writer.
1887Pall Mall G. 17 June 3/1 Its manner is perhaps a trifle too florid to be of good example to the other introduction writers of the series. 1898Westm. Gaz. 14 Feb. 1/2 In the introduction stage still greater difficulties arise. The member..may possibly name a date for second reading which is probably fatal to the progress of the measure. |