instrument
/'instrumənt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A tool or device for precise work: An object used to perform a specific task, especially one requiring skill or precision, such as in science, medicine, or mechanics.
- A device for producing musical sounds: An object, such as a piano, guitar, or flute, designed or used for creating music.
- A means or agent used to achieve something: A person, organization, or thing used as a means to accomplish a purpose or goal.
- A formal legal document: A written legal document that outlines rights, obligations, or agreements, such as a contract, deed, or will.
Verb:
- To equip with measuring or recording devices: To fit or provide something, especially a vehicle or facility, with instruments for measurement, control, or recording.
- To arrange music for instruments: To compose or adapt a piece of music to be performed by a group of musical instruments.
Examples
Noun:
- A surgeon's instrument must be perfectly sterilized. (A tool for precise medical work.)
- She plays three musical instruments: the violin, piano, and clarinet. (Devices for producing music.)
- The organization was used as an instrument of political change. (A means to achieve a goal.)
- The lawyer prepared the legal instrument for the property transfer. (A formal document.)
Verb:
- The engineers will instrument the new aircraft with advanced sensors. (To equip with measuring devices.)
- The composer was hired to instrument the melody for a full orchestra. (To arrange music for instruments.)
Advanced Usage
- "To be an instrument of": To serve as the means or cause of something, often a significant change or event.
- His speech became an instrument of social awakening.
- "Negotiable instrument" (Finance/Law): A signed document that promises payment of a specific sum of money, such as a check or promissory note.
- A bank draft is a common type of negotiable instrument.
Variants and Related Words
- Instrumental (adj): Serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool; relating to or performed with musical instruments.
- She was instrumental in founding the company. (Crucial as a means.)
- I prefer the instrumental version of that song. (Music without vocals.)
- Instrumentation (n): The arrangement of music for instruments; the set of instruments used; or the use of scientific instruments.
- The song's instrumentation includes guitars and drums.
- The instrumentation of the lab is very advanced.
Synonyms
- Noun (Tool): Tool, device, implement, apparatus.
- Noun (Means): Agent, vehicle, mechanism, medium.
- Noun (Document): Document, deed, contract, charter.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: "Instrument" is not commonly used to form standard phrasal verbs. Its verbal uses are more technical, as shown in the definitions and examples above.)
Related Idioms
- "Pawn in the game" / "Instrument in someone's hands": A person used merely as a means to an end by others.
- He realized he had been just an instrument in their scheme for power.
- "Play (someone) like a violin": To manipulate someone skillfully. (This idiom uses a specific musical instrument metaphorically.)
- The negotiator played his opponents like a violin.
Noun
- any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds
- the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process
- (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
- a person used by another to gain an end
- the means whereby some act is accomplished
- my greed was the instrument of my destruction
- science has given us new tools to fight disease
- a device that requires skill for proper use
Verb
- address a legal document to
- write an instrumental score for
- equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling