Instrumental meaning in English

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Definition

(His expertise was) instrumental (in the project): (His expertise was) very helpful, very important, crucial (to the project) adjective

Examples

  • "Your consulting work was instrumental."
Exercise 1
"Your consulting work was instrumental."
Bruno is saying that Glenn Thompson's work was .

"I'm reluctant to leave Sydney." "Reluctant" shares a similar meaning with "".
"Your consulting work was instrumental."
Bruno is saying that Glenn Thompson's work was essential 1.

"I'm reluctant to leave Sydney." "Reluctant" shares a similar meaning with "not inclined 2".
1 essential: This is the correct answer. "Instrumental" shares a similar meaning with "essential" or "useful". Example: The doctor served an instrumental role in saving my life after the motor accident. Bruno is telling Garth Ripley that he provided essential help with his consulting work.
1 professional: This is incorrect. "Instrumental" and "professional" do not share the same meaning.
1 musical: This is incorrect. In this context, "instrumental" is not synonymous with "musical". Note that an "instrumental" piece of music is one which just contains instruments, and has no vocals or voices.
1 commendable: This is incorrect. "Instrumental" does not mean "commendable". "Commendable" is synonymous with "deserving or worthy of praise". Example: She is a very commendable worker, and I believe she is the best person for the job.
2 not inclined: This is the correct answer. A "reluctant (person)" is "unwilling" or not "inclined" to do something or "hesitates" to do it. Example: Brian was reluctant to give any more sugar to his horse after it kicked him between his legs.
2 worried: This is incorrect. To be "worried (about something)" is to "concerned or anxious" about it.
2 eager: This is incorrect. To be "eager (to do something)" is show a strong interest or impatience in doing it.
2 unhappy: This is incorrect. "Reluctant" and "unhappy" do not share the same meaning.
Exercise 2
"Your consulting work was instrumental."
Bruno is saying that Glenn Thompson's work was .

"I'm reluctant to leave Sydney." "Reluctant" shares a similar meaning with "".
"Your consulting work was instrumental."
Bruno is saying that Glenn Thompson's work was essential 1.

"I'm reluctant to leave Sydney." "Reluctant" shares a similar meaning with "not inclined 2".
1 essential: This is the correct answer. "Instrumental" shares a similar meaning with "essential" or "useful". Example: The doctor served an instrumental role in saving my life after the motor accident. Bruno is telling Glenn Thompson that he provided essential help with his consulting work.
1 professional: This is incorrect. "Instrumental" and "professional" do not share the same meaning.
1 musical: This is incorrect. In this context, "instrumental" is not synonymous with "musical". Note that an "instrumental" piece of music is one which just contains instruments, and has no vocals or voices.
1 commendable: This is incorrect. "Instrumental" does not mean "commendable". "Commendable" is synonymous with "deserving or worthy of praise". Example: She is a very commendable worker, and I believe she is the best person for the job.
2 not inclined: This is the correct answer. A "reluctant (person)" is "unwilling" or not "inclined" to do something or "hesitates" to do it. Example: Brian was reluctant to give any more sugar to his horse after it kicked him between his legs.
2 worried: This is incorrect. To be "worried (about something)" is to be "concerned or anxious" about it.
2 eager: This is incorrect. To be "eager (to do something)" is to show a strong interest in it or impatience to do it.
2 unhappy: This is incorrect. "Reluctant" and "unhappy" do not share the same meaning.

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