instrumental
Instrumental (adj) means playing a key or essential role in making something happen. Example: “She was instrumental in getting the project funded.”
How to use instrumental
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "crucial to a result" or "made of instruments, with no singing."
Word forms
more instrumental comparative, instrumentals plural, most instrumental superlative
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She was _____ in getting the project funded.
Etymology
From Middle English instrumental, instrumentale, from Medieval Latin īnstrūmentālis, equivalent to instrument + -al.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for instrumental
Frequently asked questions
What does “instrumental” mean?
The word “instrumental” means playing a key or essential role in making something happen. In plain terms, either "crucial to a result" or "made of instruments, with no singing.".
How do you pronounce “instrumental”?
“Instrumental” is pronounced ihnst-ruh-MEHN-tuhl (/ɪnstɹəˈmɛntəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “instrumental” in a sentence?
Here is “instrumental” used in a sentence: “She was instrumental in getting the project funded.”
What is the opposite of “instrumental”?
The opposite of “instrumental” — its antonyms — is noninstrumental.
What part of speech is “instrumental”?
Depending on how it is used, “instrumental” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “instrumental” a common word?
“Instrumental” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “instrumental” have?
“Instrumental” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: playing a key or essential role in making something happen.
What is the difference between instrumental and important?
Both suggest significance, but 'instrumental' specifically means playing an active, essential role in making something happen, while 'important' simply means having great value. Someone instrumental in a project actually helped cause its success.
What prepositions are used with instrumental?
When it means playing a key role, 'instrumental' is followed by 'in', as in 'instrumental in launching the project'. The form 'instrumental to' is far less common and usually sounds unnatural.
What is the difference between an instrumental and a cappella?
An 'instrumental' is a piece of music performed with instruments but no vocals, while 'a cappella' is singing performed with no instruments at all. They are opposites in terms of which element is left out.
What is the difference between instrumental and vocal music?
Instrumental music is written for or performed on instruments, while vocal music features the human voice singing. A song with lyrics is vocal; a backing track with the singing removed is an instrumental.
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Vocabulary lists that include instrumental: