Basic Details
Word: Instrumentality
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The means or agency through which something is done; the help of a person or body that makes something happen.
Synonyms: agency, means, medium
How to Spell Instrumentality
Syllables: in - stru - men - tal - i - ty
Tricky part: It is built in layers, instrument, instrumental, instrumentality, and the al keeps a single l. Students often double the l or write ility.
Watch out for: instrumentallity, instrumentility, instrumantality
Memory tip: Hear the word grow in steps: instrument, instrumental, instrumentality. Each step adds a piece and never takes one away.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The peace talks went ahead through the instrumentality of a neutral country.
Example 2: Through the instrumentality of its old students, the school raised money for a new library.
Example 3: Our team won the debate through the instrumentality of careful research.
Fun Fact
Indian courts use the phrase 'instrumentality or agency of the State' when deciding whether a body, such as a public-sector company, counts as the State under Article 12 of the Constitution.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Makeup
Only one of these words takes the suffix given to make a real word. Choose it:
Suffix: ity
a) harmful
b) instrumental
c) careful
d) thoughtful
Show answer
b) instrumental. Instrumental + ity gives instrumentality; careful, harmful and thoughtful take ness instead.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
instrumentallity
a) l
b) i
c) a
d) t
Show answer
a) l. Instrumental has one l, and ity joins on without doubling it.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one word in the list is spelt correctly. Choose the meaning of that word.
1. instrumentality 2. persanality 3. hospitelity 4. originalaty
a) the quality of being new and inventive
b) the qualities that make up a person's character
c) a warm and friendly welcome to guests
d) the means through which something is done
Show answer
d) the means through which something is done. Read each word aloud: hospitality, originality and personality are misspelt in the list, which leaves instrumentality.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The bridge was repaired through the instrumentality of the local council. This means the council ____.
a) tried hard to stop the repair
b) sold the bridge to a company
c) did not notice the broken bridge
d) was the means that got it done
Show answer
d) was the means that got it done
2. In 'through the instrumentality of', the word has nothing to do with music. Which word comes closest to it?
a) rhythm
b) means
c) melody
d) orchestra
Show answer
b) means
