| 释义 |
in·stru·men·tal
I. \| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|mentəl\ adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin instrumentalis, from Latin instrumentum + -alis -al
1. : serving as a means or intermediary determining or leading to a particular result : being an instrument that functions in the promotion of some end or purpose
< this novel was instrumental in bringing on open conflict >
< an instrumental act leading to a reward >
2. : relating to, composed for, or performed on a musical instrument
< instrumental music >
< instrumental ensemble >
— compare vocal
3. : of, relating to, or done with an instrument
< instrumental design >
< instrumental navigation >
4.
a. : of, relating to, or being a case in grammar expressing means or agency
< English shows a surviving trace of the instrumental case in the of “the more the merrier” >
b. : being a suffixal element that denotes means or agency
5. : based on or in accordance with instrumentalism
• in·stru·men·tal·ly \-əlē, -əli\ adverb
II. noun
(-s)
1. obsolete : instrument, means
2. : the instrumental case or a word in that case
3. : a composition played on or for playing on a musical instrument — compare vocal
III. adjective
: operant 2
< instrumental learning >
< instrumental conditioning > |