The phrase "were instrumental" consists of two words with the emphasis on the first syllable of each: "were" and "in-STRU-mental." The word "were" is pronounced as /wɜːr/ with a silent "e" at the end and the sound of "er" as in "her." The word "instrumental" is pronounced as /ɪnstrəˈmɛntəl/ with stress on the second syllable and a silent "a" in the middle followed by the sound of "m" and "t." Together, these words form a common expression meaning "played a significant role."
"Were instrumental" is a phrase used to describe someone or something that played a crucial role or had a significant impact on a particular outcome or process. It refers to an individual, group, or object that was pivotal, essential, or influential in achieving a desired result or bringing about a specific event.
The phrase combines the past tense of the verb "to be" (were) with the adjective "instrumental," which means important, helpful, or influential. When used together, they highlight the active participation or contribution of the subject in accomplishing a goal or task.
This expression is frequently employed to acknowledge the key role played by a person, team, technology, or other factors in successful endeavors or transformative changes. It signifies that without the specific individual or element being referenced, the desired outcome would not have been achievable or as impactful.
For instance, in a historical context, one might say that Thomas Edison and his inventions were instrumental in the development of electricity and lighting systems. In this case, "were instrumental" emphasizes the indispensable role that Edison and his creations played in shaping modern electrical systems.
Overall, "were instrumental" is a phrase used to recognize and emphasize the crucial contribution or impact made by a particular individual, group, or element in achieving a specific outcome or result.
The phrase "were instrumental" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two words, "were" and "instrumental". Here's a breakdown of their respective etymologies:
1. "Were": The word "were" is the past plural form of the verb "to be" in the English language. Its etymology can be traced back to Old English, where it evolved from the Old English word "wǣron".
2. "Instrumental": The word "instrumental" comes from the Latin term "instrumentalis", which means "pertaining to an instrument". In English, "instrumental" can function as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it describes something or someone as being essential or helpful in achieving a certain purpose or goal.