Introduction vs. Background: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 29, 2023
Introduction presents the subject and purpose, while background provides context, history, or supporting details.
Key Differences
Introduction is the initial section of a document, speech, or text that outlines the topic, goal, and scope of the content. It sets the stage for the audience, giving them a brief overview of what to expect. Background, on the other hand, offers more detailed information regarding the context, history, or prior research related to the subject, providing a foundation for understanding.
Introduction is crucial for capturing the audience's attention and interest, as it typically includes a hook, an explanation of the topic, and a thesis statement or purpose. In contrast, background is essential for providing the audience with the necessary context or information needed to understand the importance, relevance, or complexity of the subject, allowing for a more in-depth comprehension.
In terms of structure, introduction is generally concise, clear, and focused, presenting the main idea or objective of the content. Meanwhile, background may be more extensive, including specific details, data, or events that have led to the current situation or state of the subject, enriching the audience’s perspective and knowledge.
While introduction serves to guide the audience into the subject and reveal the purpose of the piece, background delves into the roots, circumstances, or environments surrounding the subject. The introduction is often forward-looking, outlining the path ahead, and the background is usually reflective, exploring the past and present states connected to the subject.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Presents the subject and outlines the purpose.
Provides context, history, or supporting details.
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Focus
Main idea or objective of the content.
Context or events leading to the current situation.
Role
Captures attention and reveals the topic.
Offers detailed information for deeper understanding.
Position
Typically found at the beginning of a text.
Usually follows the introduction in a text.
Detail Level
Generally concise and focused.
More extensive and specific.
Introduction and Background Definitions
Introduction
Introduction is the opening section of a text presenting the topic.
The introduction clearly stated the main idea of the essay.
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Background
Background offers supporting details or information for better understanding.
Understanding the background is essential for grasping the complexity of the issue.
Introduction
Introduction outlines the purpose and scope of the content.
The report began with an introduction detailing its objectives.
Background
Background explores the circumstances or environment related to the topic.
The article provided thorough background on the socio-economic conditions of the region.
Introduction
The act or process of introducing or the state of being introduced.
Background
The ground or scenery located behind something.
Introduction
A means, such as a personal letter, of presenting one person to another.
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
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 general scene or surface against which designs, patterns, or figures are represented or viewed.
Introduction
A preface, as to a book.
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
(Music) A short preliminary passage in a larger movement or work.
Background
(Computers) The environment in which programs operate that the user does not engage with directly
Processes that run in the background.
Introduction
A basic introductory text or course of study.
Background
The circumstances and events surrounding or leading up to an event or occurrence.
Introduction
The act or process of introducing.
The introduction of a new product into the market
Background
A person's experience, training, and education
Her background in the arts is impressive.
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 cultural or social environment in which a person was brought up or has lived
A class with students from many different backgrounds.
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
Subdued music played especially as an accompaniment to dialogue in a dramatic performance.
Introduction
A written or oral explanation of what constitutes the basis of an issue.
Background
Sound that intrudes on or interferes with an audio recording.
Introduction
The act of introducing, or bringing to notice.
Background
Low-level radiation, as from radioactive decay, that exists as part of the natural environment.
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
Less important or less noticeable in a scene or system.
Background noise
The antivirus program runs on a background thread.
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
One's social heritage, or previous life; what one did in the past.
The lawyer had a background in computer science.
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
A part of the picture that depicts scenery to the rear or behind the main subject; context.
Introduction
The first section of a communication
Background
Information relevant to the current situation about past events; history.
Introduction
The act of beginning something new;
They looked forward to the debut of their new product line
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
Formally making a person known to another or to the public
Background
(computing) The image or color over which a computer's desktop items are shown (e.g. icons or application windows).
Introduction
A basic or elementary instructional text
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
A new proposal;
They resisted the introduction of impractical alternatives
Background
(physics) background radiation
Introduction
The act of putting one thing into another
Background
To put in a position that is not prominent.
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
(journalism) To gather and provide background information (on).
Introduction
Introduction serves to familiarize the audience with the subject.
The book’s introduction provides an overview of the key concepts.
Background
Ground in the rear or behind, or in the distance, as opposed to the foreground, or the ground in front.
Introduction
Introduction acts as a guide into the subject matter.
A well-crafted introduction can effectively engage the readers.
Background
The space which is behind and subordinate to a portrait or group of figures.
Introduction
Introduction is designed to capture the attention and interest of the audience.
His lively introduction set a positive tone for the presentation.
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
Background provides detailed context or history related to a subject.
The background section included the historical context of the study.
Background
Background reveals the prior state or events leading to the current situation.
The documentary shared the background of the political upheaval in the country.
Background
Background serves to enrich the audience’s knowledge and perspective of the subject.
The book delves into the background of the artistic movement, shedding light on its origins and influences.
FAQs
Does the background offer a history or context?
Absolutely, background provides detailed history or context related to the subject.
Is background necessary for understanding the subject?
Often, background is crucial for offering the necessary context or information for understanding the subject.
Can background include specific details and data?
Yes, background often includes specific details, data, or events to provide a deeper understanding.
Should the introduction grab the reader’s attention?
Definitely, a well-written introduction should capture the reader’s attention and interest.
Is background reflective in nature?
Generally, background is reflective, exploring the past and present states related to the subject.
Can introduction provide a roadmap for the content?
Yes, a good introduction often serves as a guide, providing a roadmap for the content ahead.
Can the introduction include a thesis statement?
Yes, introductions often contain a thesis statement outlining the main idea or argument.
Is the introduction meant to be brief?
Yes, introductions are typically concise, providing a brief overview of the topic.
Is the introduction placed at the beginning of a text?
Yes, the introduction is typically the opening section of a text or document.
Does background explore prior research or studies?
Yes, background often explores and presents findings from prior research or studies related to the topic.
Does background enrich the audience’s perspective?
Absolutely, background serves to enrich the audience’s knowledge and perspective of the subject.
Can background information be extensive?
Indeed, background information can be extensive, exploring various aspects related to the subject.
Should the introduction outline the purpose of the content?
Absolutely, the introduction should clearly outline the purpose and scope of the content.
Can the introduction set the tone for the whole text?
Definitely, the introduction can set the tone and establish the approach for the entire text.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
