instrumental

[ˌɪnstrəˈmɛntl]

instrumental Definition

• 1. serving as a means of pursuing an aim or policy
• 2. relating to musical instruments or their music

Using instrumental: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "instrumental" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The new policy was instrumental in reducing crime rates.

• Example

  His contributions were instrumental in the success of the project.

• Example

  She is an instrumental figure in the field of science.

• Example

  He is a talented instrumental musician.

instrumental Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for instrumental

• helpful
• useful
• valuable
• beneficial
• effective

Antonyms for instrumental

• useless
• ineffective
• unhelpful

Phrases with instrumental

• instrumental in

  playing a significant role in achieving something

  Example

  Her leadership was instrumental in the company's growth.

• instrumental music

  music played on instruments without singing

  Example

  I love listening to instrumental music while studying.

• instrumental version

  a version of a song that only includes the music, without any singing

  Example

  I prefer the instrumental version of this song.

Origins of instrumental

from Medieval Latin 'instrumentalis', from Latin 'instrumentum', meaning 'tool'

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Summary: instrumental in Brief

The term 'instrumental' [ˌɪnstrəˈmɛntl] has two main meanings. The first refers to something that serves as a means of pursuing an aim or policy, such as 'The new policy was instrumental in reducing crime rates.' The second meaning relates to musical instruments or their music, as in 'He is a talented instrumental musician.' 'Instrumental' extends into phrases like 'instrumental in,' denoting a significant role, and 'instrumental music,' referring to music played on instruments without singing.