instrument
gb/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/ us/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/
A2
English
~ 1900
eszköz, hangszer, műszer, lehetőség, mód, okirat
NOUN
A2
1
Usage pattern:
an instrument for [doing something]
The violin is a beautiful musical instrument.
A hegedű gyönyörű hangszer.
The surgeon carefully sterilized the instruments before the operation.
A sebész gondosan sterilizálta a műszereket a műtét előtt.
This thermometer is a precise scientific instrument used in laboratories.
The police used special instruments to measure the car's speed.
He learned to play three different instruments in high school.
Learner examples
I can play a musical instrument.
Tudok hangszeren játszani.
The doctor used an instrument to check my ear.
Az orvos egy műszerrel megvizsgálta a fülemet.
This is an instrument for cutting paper.
She bought a new instrument for her science class.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'instrument' with 'tool' in everyday contexts; 'instrument' is more formal and often used for scientific, medical, or musical purposes.
Meaning
Tool or device for a purpose
Collocations
musical instrument
|precision instrument
|surgical instrument
|scientific instrument
Synonyms
tool (Generally refers to simple hand-held devices, often for manual work.)
|
device (Broader term for any piece of equipment or mechanism.)
Antonyms
bare hands (Refers to doing something without any tools or devices.)
Themes
music
|science
|technology
Definition
A tool or device that is made for a special job.
A tool, device, or piece of equipment made for a particular task, especially for producing music, making measurements, or performing delicate work.
NOUN
B2
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
an instrument of [goal/action]
The media can be an instrument of social change.
A média a társadalmi változás eszköze lehet.
Education is often seen as the primary instrument for improving society.
Az oktatást gyakran a társadalom jobbá tételének legfontosabb eszközének tekintik.
The dictator used propaganda as an instrument of control.
The law became an instrument of justice in the community.
Learner examples
The internet is an instrument of learning.
Az internet a tanulás egyik eszköze.
The teacher was an instrument of change in the school.
A tanár az iskolai változás egyik előmozdítója volt.
Money is an instrument of power.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this meaning is figurative and formal; they might try to use it in casual contexts where 'tool' or 'way' would sound more natural.
Meaning
Means of achieving something
Collocations
instrument of change
|instrument of policy
|instrument of law
Synonyms
means (General term for a way of achieving something.)
|
agent (Emphasizes the active role in causing an effect.)
Antonyms
obstacle (Something that blocks or prevents an action or goal.)
Themes
politics
|law
|business
|core_vocabulary
|work
Definition
A person, group, or thing that is used to make something happen.
A person, organization, or thing used by someone to achieve a goal or carry out a plan.
NOUN
C1
TECHNICAL
3
okirat
C1
Usage pattern:
sign an instrument
The lawyer prepared the legal instruments for the property transfer.
Az ügyvéd elkészítette az ingatlan átruházásához szükséges jogi okiratokat.
A will is an important legal instrument in estate planning.
A végrendelet fontos jogi okirat a hagyatéktervezésben.
They signed an instrument granting power of attorney.
Stocks and bonds are considered financial instruments.
Learner examples
We signed the instrument at the office.
Az irodában aláírtuk az okiratot.
A will is a legal instrument.
A végrendelet jogi okirat.
He bought shares, which are financial instruments.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with physical tools; in this sense it refers only to formal documents.
Meaning
Formal legal or financial document
Collocations
legal instrument
|financial instrument
|negotiable instrument
Synonyms
document (General term; may not be legally binding.)
|
contract (Specifically a binding agreement between parties.)
Antonyms
oral agreement (An agreement made by spoken words without written form.)
Themes
law
|finance
Definition
An official legal paper like a contract or agreement.
A formal written legal document, such as a contract, deed, bond, or negotiable note.
Grammar
Dictionary form
instrument
IPA
GB/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/
US/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/
Syllables & stress
in - stru - ment (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (in)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: instrument
- Plural: instruments
Word family
Forms
instruments
noun
Core family
instrumental
adjective B2
Related words
instrumentalist
noun
Advanced or less common
instrumentation
noun B2
instrumentally
adverb
Expressions
legal instrument
1/lˈiɡəl ˈɪnstɹəmənt/
fixed phrase
formal
Formal document with legal force
An official paper that has legal power, like a contract or will.
Examples
- The deed is a legal instrument that proves ownership.
- They signed a legal instrument to finalize the agreement.
musical instrument
1/mjˈuzɪkəl ˈɪnstɹəmənt/
fixed phrase
Device used to produce music
A tool made for making music.
Examples
- The guitar is my favorite musical instrument.
- She collects rare musical instruments from around the world.
precision instrument
1/pɹisˈɪʒən ˈɪnstɹəmənt/
fixed phrase
technical
Device for accurate work or measurement
A tool that can measure or work with very small details accurately.
Examples
- The watchmaker used a precision instrument to adjust the tiny gears.
- Scientists rely on precision instruments in their experiments.