Who should generally be introduced first in a formal setting?

In formal settings, the appropriate practice is to introduce a senior person to a junior person. This convention emphasizes respect and acknowledges the differences in rank, status, or age. By introducing the more senior individual first, you are demonstrating courtesy and deference to their position. This guideline is especially important in structured environments like military or professional contexts, where hierarchy plays a significant role in interactions.

While other options, such as introducing an elder to a younger person or men to women, might seem respectful in different contexts, the standard protocol in formal situations prioritizes the seniority based on role or rank. Similarly, introducing friends to acquaintances reflects familiarity rather than the respect and protocol observed in formal introductions. Thus, the principle of introducing senior to junior helps maintain order and demonstrates an understanding of social hierarchies in professional environments.