INSTRUMENTALLY

Etymology

Adverb

instrumentally (comparative more instrumentally, superlative most instrumentally)

By means of an instrument or agency; as means to an end

With instruments of music

Synonyms

• instrumently

Source: Wiktionary

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In`stru*men"tal*ly, adv.

1. By means of an instrument or agency; as means to an end. South. They will argue that the end being essentially beneficial, the means become instrumentally so. Burke.

2. With instruments of music; as, a song instrumentally accompanied. Mason.

INSTRUMENTAL

In`stru*men"tal, a. Etym: [Cf. F. instrumental.]

1. Acting as an instrument; serving as a means; contributing to promote; conductive; helpful; serviceable; as, he was instrumental in conducting the business. The head is not more native to the heart, The hand more instrumental to the mouth. Shak.

2. (Mus.)

Definition: Pertaining to, made by, or prepared for, an instrument, esp. a musical instrument; as, instrumental music, distinguished from vocal music. "He defended the use of instrumental music in public worship." Macaulay. Sweet voices mix'd with instrumental sounds. Dryden.

3. (Gram.)

Definition: Applied to a case expressing means or agency; as, the instrumental case. This is found in Sanskrit as a separate case, but in Greek it was merged into the dative, and in Latin into the ablative. In Old English it was a separate case, but has disappeared, leaving only a few anomalous forms. Instrumental errors, those errors in instrumental measurements, etc., which arise, exclusively from want of mathematical accuracy in an instrument.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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