Words / C1

instr-uh-MENTL/ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/

Instrumental means playing an important part in making something happen (instrumental in); also of music without words: instrumental in a change, instrumental music. Crucial is hotter; a vision slide is not cover.

Meaning

Playing an important part in making something happen (instrumental in); also of music without words.

Examples

• “A named spare is instrumental in cover; a vision slide is not.”
• “Crucial is hotter. Pivotal is a cousin. A slide is branding. A name on a rota is cover. Write the name; keep the vision for the foyer.”

Good to know

Important in causing something (also: music without words). Close: pivotal. A slide ≠ cover.

Near in meaning

pivotal, crucial, key

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