INSTRUMENTAL Definition & Meaning

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instrumental

[ in-struh-men-tl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

serving or acting as an instrument or means; useful; helpful.
Synonyms: , ,
performed on or written for a musical instrument or instruments:
instrumental music.
of or relating to an instrument or tool.
Grammar.
1. (in certain inflected languages, as Old English and Russian) noting or pertaining to a case having as its distinctive function the indication of means or agency, as Old English beseah blīthe andweitan “looked with a happy countenance.”
2. noting the affix or other element characteristic of this case, or a word containing such an element.
3. similar to such a case form in function or meaning, as the Latin instrumental ablative, ��徱ō, “by means of a sword.”
4. (in case grammar) pertaining to the semantic role of a noun phrase that indicates the inanimate, nonvolitional, immediate cause of the action expressed by a verb, as the rock in The rock broke the window or in I broke the window with the rock.

Grammar.
1. the instrumental case.
2. a word in the instrumental case.
3. a construction of similar meaning.
a musical composition played by an instrument or a group of instruments. Compare vocal ( def 8 ).

instrumental

/ ˌɪ�Բ��ٰ�əˈ��ɛ�Գ�ə�� /

serving as a means or influence; helpful
of, relating to, or characterized by an instrument or instruments
played by or composed for musical instruments
grammar denoting a case of nouns, etc, in certain inflected languages, indicating the instrument used in performing an action, usually translated into English using the prepositions with or by means of

a piece of music composed for instruments rather than for voices
grammar
1. the instrumental case
2. a word or speech element in the instrumental case

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First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Medieval Latin word ��Բ��ٰ�ū��Գ��. See instrument, -al ¹

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Examples have not been reviewed.

The “Ode” celebrates in exalted song and irresistibly vivid instrumental invention, the wonder of music in all its processes and measures.

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He was instrumental in us getting this done.

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The truth is that the federal government has been instrumental in getting public education off the ground since the nation’s founding.

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The group has been instrumental in pressuring the company to do more, she said.

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Building his fitness in the gym has allowed him to compete more regularly on the tour - instrumental in his rise up the rankings.

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