instrument
gb/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/ us/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/
A2
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Tool or device for a purpose
A tool or device that is made for a special job.
Usage pattern:
an instrument for [doing something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'instrument' with 'tool' in everyday contexts; 'instrument' is more formal and often used for scientific, medical, or musical purposes.
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.)
Collocations
musical instrument
|precision instrument
|surgical instrument
|scientific instrument
Themes
music
|science
|technology
Examples
- The violin is a beautiful musical instrument.
- The surgeon carefully sterilized the instruments before the operation.
- 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.
- The doctor used an instrument to check my ear.
- This is an instrument for cutting paper.
- She bought a new instrument for her science class.
Noun
formal
B2
entity
2
Means of achieving something
A person, group, or thing that is used to make something happen.
Usage pattern:
an instrument of [goal/action]
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.
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.)
Collocations
instrument of change
|instrument of policy
|instrument of law
Themes
politics
|law
|business
|core_vocabulary
|work
Examples
- The media can be an instrument of social change.
- Education is often seen as the primary instrument for improving society.
- 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.
- The teacher was an instrument of change in the school.
- Money is an instrument of power.
Noun
technical
C1
entity
3
Formal legal or financial document
An official legal paper like a contract or agreement.
Usage pattern:
sign an instrument
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with physical tools; in this sense it refers only to formal documents.
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.)
Collocations
legal instrument
|financial instrument
|negotiable instrument
Themes
law
|finance
Examples
- The lawyer prepared the legal instruments for the property transfer.
- A will is an important legal instrument in estate planning.
- They signed an instrument granting power of attorney.
- Stocks and bonds are considered financial instruments.
Learner examples
- We signed the instrument at the office.
- A will is a legal instrument.
- He bought shares, which are financial instruments.
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.