instrumental

Serving a purpose

Instrumental describes something that serves as a means to an end—a tool or agent in achieving a result: She was instrumental in getting the legislation passed.

In music, instrumental refers to compositions performed without vocals: an instrumental track, instrumental jazz.

As a noun, an instrumental is such a piece.

In grammar, the instrumental case marks nouns used as instruments of action.

supportive

aid

Support given freely

contributory · conducive · helpful · beneficial · pivotal · essential · vital · crucial · key · central

composition

arrangement

Ordered configuration or agreement

medley · orchestration · transcription · score · harmony · counterpoint · melody · voicing · texture · progression

orchestral

symphony

Extended composition for orchestra

  • concertoSolo-and-orchestra composition
  • sonataMulti-movement instrumental composition
  • ensembleUnified group or outfit

philharmonic · strings · woodwinds · brass · percussion · conductor · violin · cello · viola · flute

functional

utility

Functional worth or purpose

practicality · means · mechanism · agency · facilitation · enablement · contribution · role · purpose · function

legal

evidence

Facts supporting truth

affidavit · deposition · exhibit · discovery · probative · admissible · forensic · chain of custody · witness · corroboration

Categories
Opposites
usefulness/contribution

instrumentaluseless

Without practical value

unhelpful · obstructive · detrimental · counterproductive · hindering

music type

instrumentalvocal

Expressing views freely

a cappella · sung · choral · lyrical · operatic

value orientation

instrumentalintrinsic

Belonging by nature

inherent · terminal · final · self-justifying · end in itself

Phrases
Family

instrument, instruments, instrumentalist, instrumentality, instrumentation, instrumentals, instrumentally, instrumentalism

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G