Vocabulary in context
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Instrumental
Serving as a means to an end; acting as a crucial tool or agent in bringing about a desired result.
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Imagine This
Imagine you are the essential tool that finally fits the puzzle; without you the plan stalls, but with you the project comes together.
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Sounds Like
in-struh-MEN-tuhl
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Looks Like
instrument + al
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Remember This
Instrumental is often used with in to describe influence (instrumental in bringing about a result). It also appears as a musical term meaning relating to instruments.
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Other Forms
instrumentalizeverb
instrumentalitynoun
instrumentalismnoun
instrumentalistnoun
instrumentallyadverb
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Connect With
enable, facilitate, play a key role, means to an end
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Note
Avoid confusing with instrumentalist (a person who plays an instrument) or with instrument (the physical tool) by itself.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Her research was instrumental in shaping the final policy.
- The director's clever use of lighting was instrumental in creating the film's suspense.
Synonyms
essentialcrucialvitalpivotalkey
Antonyms
unimportantinessentialinsignificant
Etymology
From Medieval Latin instrumentalis, from instrumentum (tool, implement) + -alis. The sense 'serving as a means' derives from the idea of an instrument that accomplishes a task.
Mnemonic
Think of instrument + al: you are the instrument that makes plans come alive; when someone is instrumental, they are the tool that gets things done.
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Perfunctory
adjectiveDone in a careless or superficial way; mechanical and lacking enthusiasm.
Flaccid
adjectiveSoft and limp; lacking firmness or tone; can describe muscles, tissues, or other things that are not firm; can also describe a lack of vigor or vitality in a metaphorical sense.
Ambivalence
nounThe state of having two opposing feelings or attitudes at the same time; simultaneous contradictory feelings about a person, thing, or idea.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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