introduce

Where does the word "introduce" come from? It comes from Latin ducere, passing through Latin before entering English (1400s).

Introduce’s story begins in Latin: ducere meant “to lead.” To lead, combined with intro- (within). Within Latin, it grew into introducere by ancient. To lead in, to bring in, from intro- and ducere. It reached English by 1400s as introduce. Settled as the English word for presenting someone or something for the first time. Today, introduce means to present someone or something for the first time, or to bring something into use.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient ducere "to lead", to lead, combined with intro- (within).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient introducere "to lead in, to bring in", to lead in, to bring in, from intro- and ducere.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s introduce "to present someone or something for the first time", settled as the English word for presenting someone or something for the first time.