instrumental
Meaning: Serving as a crucial means of achieving or accomplishing something; having a key role in bringing about a result.
Instrumental is most commonly used to describe a person or factor that was essential in making something happen. It is slightly more formal than 'key' or 'important' and carries a sense of active agency. In music, 'instrumental' refers to a piece performed without vocals. In philosophy, 'instrumental reason' denotes reasoning directed toward achieving practical goals. It collocates with 'instrumental in', 'instrumental role', and 'instrumental to the success of'.
Examples
- The foreign secretary was instrumental in brokering the ceasefire that brought an end to three years of conflict in the region. 外交大臣在促成停火方面发挥了关键作用,结束了该地区长达三年的冲突。El ministro de Asuntos Exteriores fue instrumental en la mediación del alto el fuego que puso fin a tres años de conflicto en la región.外務大臣は、この地域の3年間にわたる紛争を終結させた停戦の仲介に不可欠な役割を果たした。외무장관은 이 지역의 3년간에 걸친 분쟁을 종식시킨 휴전 중재에 결정적 역할을 했다.
- New diagnostic technology has been instrumental in improving early detection rates for several types of cancer. 新的诊断技术在提高多种癌症的早期发现率方面起到了关键作用。La nueva tecnología diagnóstica ha sido instrumental en la mejora de las tasas de detección precoz de varios tipos de cáncer.新しい診断技術は、複数の種類の癌の早期発見率向上に大きく貢献してきた。새로운 진단 기술은 여러 유형의 암 조기 발견율 향상에 크게 기여해 왔다.
- The community organiser proved instrumental in persuading the council to reverse its decision to close the local library. 那位社区组织者在说服市议会撤回关闭当地图书馆的决定方面功不可没。La organizadora comunitaria resultó instrumental a la hora de persuadir al ayuntamiento para que revocase su decisión de cerrar la biblioteca local.そのコミュニティ・オーガナイザーは、地元の図書館を閉鎖するという議会の決定を撤回させるのに重要な役割を果たした。그 지역사회 활동가는 지역 도서관을 폐쇄하겠다는 의회의 결정을 번복하도록 설득하는 데 중요한 역할을 했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Medieval Latin instrumentalis, from Latin instrumentum meaning 'a tool, an implement,' from instruere meaning 'to build, to equip,' from in- (upon) and struere (to pile, to build). Entered English in the 14th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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