intro.
C1Informal, Technical (Music/Media)
Definition
Meaning
An abbreviation for 'introduction', often used to label the introductory part of a musical recording, video, or piece of writing.
A short preliminary section at the beginning of a song, film, show, or piece of media designed to set the tone or context. Informally, it can also refer to the act of introducing someone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a written/spoken abbreviation ('intro.') but also used as a standalone noun ('an intro') in informal contexts. It implies brevity and is often self-contained. In musical terminology, it contrasts with 'outro' or 'coda'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though 'intro' as a standalone noun may be slightly more prevalent in US informal contexts. The abbreviation with a full stop (intro.) is standard in written British English, while 'intro' without the full stop is common in American English.
Connotations
Neutral in both; slightly technical or 'insider' connotation when discussing media production.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in specific domains (music, film, gaming, online content); low in general formal prose.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[give] + [someone] + an intro + [to something][have] + an intro + [by someone][the] + intro + [features] + [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Do the intros (informal: make introductions)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; 'intro' might be used informally in emails: 'Let me give you a quick intro to the client.'
Academic
Very rare; the full form 'introduction' is required.
Everyday
Informal: 'I loved the intro to that song.' or 'Can you do the intros?' (at a party).
Technical
Common in audio/video editing, music production, and gaming: 'The track's intro needs a fade-in.'
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The song has a very long intro.
- Please write a short intro for your presentation.
- The director cut the film's intro to make it more dynamic.
- He gave me a quick intro to the basics of sound mixing.
- The podcast's iconic intro is instantly recognisable to its fans.
- The album's haunting piano intro sets a melancholy tone for the entire work.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'IN the beginning of a TRack Or video' - INTRO.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GATEWAY (it opens the way into the main content).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating it as 'интро' in formal writing; use 'введение' or 'вступление'. In informal spoken contexts, 'интро' is understood but still colloquial.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intro' in formal writing where 'introduction' is required.
- Pronouncing it as /ɪnˈtroʊ/ (stress on second syllable).
- Confusing 'intro' (noun) with 'introduce' (verb).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'intro' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a standard abbreviation and a recognised informal noun, particularly in technical fields like music and media. It is not appropriate for formal academic writing.
'Intro' is the abbreviated, informal form. 'Introduction' is the full, formal term. 'Intro' often implies a shorter, more functional opening section, especially in media.
Not in standard English. The verb is 'introduce'. In very casual, non-standard speech, you might hear 'I'll intro you to her,' but this is incorrect.
The standard plural is 'intros' (e.g., 'The album features three instrumental intros').