instrumental — serving as an instrument or means in pursuing an aim or policy
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: serving as an instrument or means in pursuing an aim or policy
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌɪnstrəˈmentəl/
Example Sentences
- My dog was instrumental in helping me meet my neighbor - he kept barking at her cat!
- The new software was instrumental in improving our work efficiency.
- I love instrumental versions of pop songs because I can focus without getting distracted by lyrics.
instrumental
ADJECTIVE[/ˌɪnstrəˈmentəl/]
serving as an instrument or means in pursuing an aim or policy
a skilled carpenter holds a hammer and carefully positions a nail against a wooden beam. He strikes the nail precisely to secure two pieces of wood together permanently. Without the hammer as his tool, he could never join the wooden pieces effectively. The hammer serves as the key instrument that makes his construction work possible. Other workers nearby use different tools like saws and drills for their specific tasks. Each tool becomes instrumental in completing different parts of the house construction. tools serving as instruments or means in pursuing the aim of building
Therapy proves instrumental - fundamental tools for mental renewal!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin instrumentum, meaning 'tool' or 'implement.' The term developed through medieval usage, particularly among alchemists who emphasized the functional role of various tools in their practices, eventually broadening to describe anything serving as a means or agency.
Breakdown
instrumentum (tool, implement) + -al (adjective suffix, meaning 'relating to' or 'of the nature of'). The suffix -al transforms the noun into an adjective indicating 'serving as an instrument or means.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My dog was instrumental in helping me meet my neighbor - he kept barking at her cat!”
“The new software was instrumental in improving our work efficiency.”
“I love instrumental versions of pop songs because I can focus without getting distracted by lyrics.”
“His mother was instrumental in his decision to become a doctor - she reminded him daily for 20 years!”
📚Related Words
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