Instrumental Meaning
/ɪnstɹəˈmɛntəl/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjEssential or central; of great importance or relevance.
adjServing as an instrument, medium, means, or agency.
Sentence Examples
He was greatly instrumental in making Japan understood.
I like vocal music better than instrumental music.
The Conservation Trust performs an instrumental role in the protection of rural environments.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The researcher was truly ____ in developing the treatment that saved many lives.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She was ____ in organizing the charity auction, which raised over ten thousand dollars for the hospital.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English instrumental, instrumentale, from Medieval Latin īnstrūmentālis, equivalent to instrument + -al.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The head is not more native to the heart, The hand more instrumental to the mouth"
— c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene ii]:
"Few songwriters have been as instrumental in creating the mold for American music."
— 2012, Christoper Zara, Tortured Artists: From Picasso and Monroe to Warhol and Winehouse, the Twisted Secrets of the World's Most Creative Minds, part 1, chapter 2, 51:
"[...] Prosser was instrumental in the decision in 2010 to recommence publication of an annual health and safety report, following a period when it had fallen into abeyance."
— 2020 July 29, Ian Prosser discusses with Paul Stephen, “Rail needs robust and strategic plans”, in Rail, page 40:
"Maxwell started back to his study, feeling that kind of satisfaction which a man feels when he has been even partly instrumental in finding an unemployed person a remunerative position."
— 1896, Charles M. Sheldon, chapter 12, in In His Steps:
"Sweet voices mix'd with instrumental sounds."
— c. 1700, John Dryden, Cymon and Iphigenia:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The researcher was truly ____ in developing the treatment that saved many lives.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She was ____ in organizing the charity auction, which raised over ten thousand dollars for the hospital.