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instrumental

Adjective

IPA /ˌɪnstrəˈmɛntəl/

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Meaning in plain English

Playing an important part in making something happen or helping a person, group or plan achieve a particular result.

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Pronunciation

instrumental/ˌɪnstrəˈmɛntəl/

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My neighbour was instrumental in helping us find our missing cat.
Her careful research was instrumental in securing support for the project.

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My neighbour was ________ in helping us find our missing cat.

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instrumental — Playing an important part in making something happen or helping a person, group or plan achieve a particular result.

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Playing an important part in making something happen or helping a person, group or plan achieve a particular result.

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Word origin

Through Middle French from Medieval Latin instrumentalis.

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This use usually follows be: someone was instrumental in an event or achievement.

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