instrumental
Meaning
Pertaining to or serving as a means of achieving a particular end; often used to describe tools, methods, or approaches that play a crucial role in facilitating processes or outcomes, particularly in contexts such as research, music, or social dynamics.
💡 The term "instrumental" is frequently misused when referring to something merely helpful or supportive; it implies a more active and essential contribution to an outcome rather than a passive or secondary role.
Example Sentences
Word in Context
At
the
community
center
,
Maria
organized
a
small
meeting
to
discuss
plans
for
renovating
the
park
.
She
discovered
that
a
short
questionnaire
and
several
informal
conversations
were
instrumental
in
identifying
residents'
priorities
.
Using
that
feedback
,
she
drafted
a
concise
action
plan
and
presented
it
to
the
local
council
.
The
council
responded
positively
and
proposed
a
realistic
timeline
that
accommodated
volunteers'
availability
.
Over
the
next
few
weeks
the
neighborhood
group
met
on
Saturdays
to
implement
the
first
tasks
and
monitor
progress
.
Common Phrases
instrumental role
instrumental in achieving
instrumental to the development of
Synonyms
Related Words
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