instrumentalist
/,instru'mentəlist/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A person who plays a musical instrument, typically as a profession or serious pursuit: An instrumentalist is someone skilled in performing music on a specific instrument or a range of instruments.
Usage
The term "instrumentalist" refers specifically to the performer of music. It emphasizes the act of playing an instrument, distinguishing it from vocalists or composers. It is a formal term often used in classical, jazz, and professional music contexts.
Examples
- The orchestra is looking for a skilled instrumentalist to fill the vacant cello position.
- She is not only a singer but also a talented instrumentalist who plays the piano and flute.
- Many famous jazz instrumentalists, like John Coltrane, are celebrated for their improvisational skills.
Advanced Usage
- Philosophical Context: In philosophy, particularly in instrumentalism, the term can refer to a supporter of the theory that ideas are instruments of action and that their value is measured by their success.
- Example: As an instrumentalist, he judged scientific theories purely by their predictive utility.
Variants and Related Words
- Instrumental (adjective): Pertaining to, performed on, or being a musical instrument (e.g., ). Also, serving as a crucial means or tool (e.g., ).
- Instrumentation (noun): The particular set of instruments used in a piece of music, or the arrangement of parts for instruments.
Synonyms
- Musician: A more general term for a person who plays music, which can include vocalists.
- Player: A simpler, more general term (e.g., ).
- Performer: A broad term for someone who presents music or art to an audience.
Antonyms
- Vocalist: A singer.
- Composer: A person who writes music.
- Listener: An audience member.
Related Phrases/Idioms
- To be an instrumentalist in...: This phrase is not a standard idiom. However, the adjective "instrumental" is used in the idiom "to be instrumental in (doing) something," meaning to play a key role in making something happen.
- Example: She was instrumental in founding the new community center.
Noun
- someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)