Instrumental

Pronunciation

Origin

From Middle English, from Medieval Latin instrumentalis, from instruere ("to build into, set up, construct, furnish, hence "to train""), from in- ("on") + struere ("to put together, arrange, pile up, build, construct"), from Proto-Indo-European *strew- ("to spread, to strew").

Full definition of instrumental

Adjective

1. Acting as an instrument; serving as a means; contributing to promote; conductive; helpful; serviceable; essential or central.He was instrumental in conducting the business.
• unknown date, William Shakespeare, Hamlet, I,iiThe head is not more native to the heart, The hand more instrumental to the mouth —
2. (music) Pertaining to, made by, or prepared for, an instrument, especially a musical instrument.instrumental music
• unknown date Thomas Babington MacaulayHe defended the use of instrumental music in public worship.
• Sweet voices mix'd with instrumental sounds. — John Dryden
3. (grammar) Applied to a case expressing means or agency, generally indicated in English by by or with with the objective.the instrumental case.

Coordinate terms

• (serving as a means) final
• (music) vocal, a capella

Antonyms

• noninstrumental

Derived terms

Noun

1. (uncountable, grammar) The instrumental case.
2. (countable, music) A composition without lyrics.
• 1977, Stereo Review (volume 38, page 70)I recommend this album in the face of the fact that five of the eleven songs are the purest filler, dull instrumentals with a harmonica rifling over an indifferent rhythm section. The rest is magnificent...