instrumental
UK/.instru'mentәl/US
IELTSTOEFLGREA2
Definitions
adj.
Serving as the key means of making something happen; very helpful
起关键作用的，有助益的
adj.
Performed on or written for musical instruments, without singing
器乐的（无人声的）
n.
A piece of music with no vocals
器乐曲
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedinstrumentnot, opposite of
+
-albuild, construct, arrange
=instrumental
instrument (a tool) + -al (relating to) = "serving as the tool." If someone was instrumental in a success, they were the tool that made it happen. The music sense is literal: relating to instruments rather than voice.
Usage Guide
The "key role" sense almost always takes "instrumental in (doing) something": He was instrumental in securing the deal. Don't use "instrumental for/to" in this sense.
Example Sentences
- 1.
She was instrumental in launching the new program.
- 2.
The album mixes vocal tracks with instrumental pieces.