Introduction vs. Background — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 25, 2023
An introduction is the initial part of a text or presentation that provides an overview and sets the stage for the main content. Background refers to the contextual information, history, or prior knowledge relevant to understanding a topic or situation.
Difference Between Introduction and Background
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Introduction is typically found at the beginning of a document or presentation. Background can be presented throughout the text, often preceding specific details or explanations.
Introduction aims to engage the audience, state the purpose, and outline what to expect. Background offers context, historical context, or foundational information to support the main content.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Initial overview, sets the stage
Contextual information, history
Placement
Typically at the beginning
Can be interspersed in the text
Purpose
Engages, states purpose, outlines
Offers context and foundational info
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Content
May include thesis or objectives
Historical, factual, or contextual
Focus
Previews main points
Provides essential context
Compare with Definitions
Introduction
Opening section that engages the audience and outlines the purpose.
The speaker's introduction captivated the audience's attention.
Background
Contextual information or historical context supporting a topic.
The background section of the research paper explained the study's historical context.
Introduction
The starting point that introduces the topic and its significance.
The essay's introduction posed thought-provoking questions.
Background
Relevant prior knowledge or foundational information.
The investigator gathered background data before conducting the experiment.
Introduction
The initial part of a presentation that outlines the agenda.
In the introduction, the speaker outlined the goals of the workshop.
Background
The historical or situational context that provides clarity.
Understanding the background is crucial for comprehending the novel's plot.
Introduction
The action of introducing something
The introduction of muskrats into central Europe
Issues arising from the introduction of new technology
Background
Essential information that aids in grasping the subject's significance.
The background section in the presentation clarified the project's objectives.
Introduction
A formal presentation of one person to another, in which each is told the other's name
He returned to his desk, leaving Michael to make the introductions
A letter of introduction
Background
The part of a picture, scene, or design that forms a setting for the main figures or objects, or appears furthest from the viewer
The word is written in white on a red background
The house stands against a background of sheltering trees
Introduction
A thing preliminary to something else, especially an explanatory section at the beginning of a book, report, or speech
Your talk will need an introduction which states clearly what you are talking about and why
Background
The circumstances or situation prevailing at a particular time or underlying a particular event
The political and economic background
Background information
Introduction
The act or process of introducing or the state of being introduced.
Background
Form a background to
Windswept land backgrounded by the Rockies
Introduction
A means, such as a personal letter, of presenting one person to another.
Background
Provide with background
The embassy backgrounded American reporters
Introduction
Something recently introduced; an innovation
"He loathed a fork.
It is a modern introduction which has still scarcely reached common people" (D.H. Lawrence).
Background
The ground or scenery located behind something.
Introduction
A preface, as to a book.
Background
The part of a pictorial representation that appears to be in the distance and that provides relief for the principal objects in the foreground.
Introduction
(Music) A short preliminary passage in a larger movement or work.
Background
The general scene or surface against which designs, patterns, or figures are represented or viewed.
Introduction
A basic introductory text or course of study.
Background
A position, area, or situation that is not immediately in one's attention or notice
You can hear traffic moving in the background during the interview.
Introduction
The act or process of introducing.
The introduction of a new product into the market
Background
(Computers) The environment in which programs operate that the user does not engage with directly
Processes that run in the background.
Introduction
A means, such as a personal letter, of presenting one person to another.
David was feeling groggy at his introduction to Sophie, and didn't remember her name.
Background
The circumstances and events surrounding or leading up to an event or occurrence.
Introduction
An initial section of a book or article, which introduces the subject material.
This book features a preface by a well-known botanist, and an introduction by the author's mentor at university.
Background
A person's experience, training, and education
Her background in the arts is impressive.
Introduction
A written or oral explanation of what constitutes the basis of an issue.
Background
The cultural or social environment in which a person was brought up or has lived
A class with students from many different backgrounds.
Introduction
The act of introducing, or bringing to notice.
Background
Subdued music played especially as an accompaniment to dialogue in a dramatic performance.
Introduction
The act of formally making persons known to each other; a presentation or making known of one person to another by name; as, the introduction of one stranger to another.
Background
Sound that intrudes on or interferes with an audio recording.
Introduction
That part of a book or discourse which introduces or leads the way to the main subject, or part; preliminary; matter; preface; proem; exordium.
Background
Low-level radiation, as from radioactive decay, that exists as part of the natural environment.
Introduction
A formal and elaborate preliminary treatise; specifically, a treatise introductory to other treatises, or to a course of study; a guide; as, an introduction to English literature.
Background
Less important or less noticeable in a scene or system.
Background noise
The antivirus program runs on a background thread.
Introduction
The first section of a communication
Background
One's social heritage, or previous life; what one did in the past.
The lawyer had a background in computer science.
Introduction
The act of beginning something new;
They looked forward to the debut of their new product line
Background
A part of the picture that depicts scenery to the rear or behind the main subject; context.
Introduction
Formally making a person known to another or to the public
Background
Information relevant to the current situation about past events; history.
Introduction
A basic or elementary instructional text
Background
A less important feature of scenery (as opposed to foreground).
There was tons of noise in the background.
The photographer let us pick a background for the portrait.
Introduction
A new proposal;
They resisted the introduction of impractical alternatives
Background
(computing) The image or color over which a computer's desktop items are shown (e.g. icons or application windows).
Introduction
The act of putting one thing into another
Background
(computing) A type of activity on a computer that is not normally visible to the user.
The antivirus program is running in the background.
Introduction
The act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new;
She looked forward to her initiation as an adult
The foundation of a new scientific society
He regards the fork as a modern introduction
Background
(physics) background radiation
Introduction
Initial part of a text, setting the stage for the main content.
The book's introduction provided a glimpse of the author's themes.
Background
To put in a position that is not prominent.
Introduction
A preliminary overview of what follows in a document or presentation.
The report's introduction highlighted the key findings.
Background
(journalism) To gather and provide background information (on).
Background
Ground in the rear or behind, or in the distance, as opposed to the foreground, or the ground in front.
Background
The space which is behind and subordinate to a portrait or group of figures.
Background
Anything behind, serving as a foil; as, the statue had a background of red hangings.
Background
A place in obscurity or retirement, or out of sight.
I fancy there was a background of grinding and waiting before Miss Torry could produce this highly finished . . . performance.
A husband somewhere in the background.
Background
The set of conditions within which an action takes place, including the social and physical conditions as well as the psychological states of the participants; as, within the background of the massive budget deficits of the 1980's, new spending programs had little chance of passage by the congress.
Background
The set of conditions that precede and affect an action, such as the social and historical precedents for the event, as well as the general background{5}; as, against the background of their expulsion by the Serbs, the desire of Kosovars for vengeance is understandable though regrettable.
Background
The signals that may be detected by a measurement which are not due to the phenomenon being studied, and tend to make the measurement uncertain to a greater or lesser degree.
Background
An agreement between a journalist and an interviewee that the name of the interviewee will not be quoted in any publication, although the substance of the remarks may be reported; - often used in the phrase "on background". Compare deep background.
Background
A person's social heritage: previous experience or training;
He is a lawyer with a sports background
Background
The part of a scene (or picture) that lies behind objects in the foreground;
He posed her against a background of rolling hills
Background
Information that is essential to understanding a situation or problem;
The embassy filled him in on the background of the incident
Background
Extraneous signals that can be confused with the phenomenon to be observed or measured;
They got a bad connection and could hardly hear one another over the background signals
Background
Relatively unimportant or inconspicuous accompanying situation;
When the rain came he could hear the sound of thunder in the background
Background
The state of the environment in which a situation exists;
You can't do that in a university setting
Background
(computer science) the area of the screen in graphical user interfaces against which icons and windows appear
Background
Scenery hung at back of stage
Background
Understate the importance or quality of;
He played down his royal ancestry
Background
Foundational facts or context that underpin a subject.
The instructor covered the background of the theory before delving into its applications.
Common Curiosities
What is the primary purpose of an introduction?
The primary purpose of an introduction is to engage the audience, state the purpose of the text, and provide an overview of what follows.
What is a common element in an introduction but not in background information?
A common element in an introduction is the inclusion of a thesis statement or objectives, which is not typically found in background information.
How does background information differ from introduction?
Background information offers contextual, historical, or foundational details, while the introduction sets the stage and outlines the main content.
Is an introduction always found at the beginning of a document or presentation?
Yes, introductions are typically located at the beginning to provide an initial overview.
Can background information be included throughout a document or presentation?
Yes, background information can be interspersed in the text to provide context where needed.
Is the length of an introduction and background fixed, or does it vary by context?
The length of both an introduction and background can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the specific requirements of the document or presentation.
What kind of information is often included in the background section of a research paper?
The background section of a research paper typically includes historical context, relevant prior studies, and foundational concepts.
Should an introduction or background be more detailed in an academic essay?
The introduction is usually a concise overview, while the background can be more detailed to provide comprehensive context in an academic essay.
What role does the introduction play in a speech or presentation?
The introduction in a speech or presentation serves to grab the audience's attention, establish credibility, and provide a roadmap for what will be discussed.
In a business presentation, what might the introduction include?
In a business presentation, the introduction may include a brief overview of the topic, the purpose of the presentation, and an outline of key points to be covered.
Can an introduction be a separate section within a longer document?
Yes, in longer documents, an introduction can be a distinct section, providing a comprehensive overview of the content.
Why is providing background information important in writing and presentations?
Background information helps readers or audiences understand the context and significance of the subject matter.
Is it necessary to include both an introduction and background in all types of writing?
It depends on the purpose and context of the writing. In some cases, an introduction alone may suffice, while in others, both introduction and background are necessary for clarity.
Can an introduction be used in scientific research papers?
Yes, introductions are commonly used in research papers to provide an overview of the study and its objectives.
How can one effectively transition from an introduction to the main content of a document or presentation?
Effective transitions can involve summarizing the main points introduced in the introduction or posing questions that the subsequent content will address.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
