instrumental

CEFRC1

/ɪnstɹəˈmɛntəl/

adjective

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Very important in helping achieve a result.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Made for or performed by musical instruments without singing.

Examples

  • He was greatly instrumental in making Japan understood.

  • I like vocal music better than instrumental music.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meanings

  1. Pertaining to, made by, or prepared for an instrument, especially a musical instrument (rather than the human voice).

  2. Serving as an instrument, medium, means, or agency.

  3. Essential or central; of great importance or relevance.

More examples

In context

  • The Conservation Trust performs an instrumental role in the protection of rural environments.

  • He was instrumental in conducting the business.

  • an instrumental part

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The researcher was truly blank in developing the treatment that saved many lives.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adjective

From Middle English instrumental, instrumentale, from Medieval Latin īnstrūmentālis, equivalent to instrument + -al.