instrumentalist
UK: ˌɪn.strəˈmen.təl.ɪst | US: ˌɪn.strəˈmen.t̬əl.ɪst
n. 1. A musician who plays a musical instrument.
n. 2. A person who advocates or uses instrumentalism (a philosophy emphasizing practical consequences over abstract principles).
instrumentalist = instrument<tool/device> + al<relating to> + ist<one who practices>
- instrument: From Latin instrumentum ("tool, equipment"), derived from instruere ("to build, prepare").
- al: A suffix forming adjectives meaning "relating to" (e.g., musical, natural).
- ist: A suffix denoting a person who practices or specializes in something (e.g., artist, scientist).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin instrumentum, reflecting tools or means to achieve goals. Over time, instrument expanded to include musical devices. The suffix -al links it to qualities or functions, while -ist specifies a practitioner. Thus, an instrumentalist originally meant "one who uses tools" but narrowed to "musician" or "advocate of practical philosophy."
The jazz band featured a talented instrumentalist on saxophone.
As an instrumentalist, she mastered both piano and violin.
John Dewey was a key instrumentalist in pragmatic philosophy.
The orchestra auditioned for a lead instrumentalist.
His approach as an instrumentalist focused on measurable outcomes.