instrumento

[ĩs.tɾu.ˈmẽ.tu]
nounmasculinepl: instrumentos
instrument
1. A tool or device used to perform a specific function or task
The surgeon used precise instruments during the operation.
O cirurgião usou instrumentos precisos durante a operação.
2. A musical device that produces sound and is played to create music
She plays the violin, which is a stringed instrument.
Ela toca violino, que é um instrumento de cordas.
3. A formal legal document or written agreement
The contract is an important legal instrument.
O contrato é um instrumento legal importante.
4. A means or agency through which something is accomplished
Education is an instrument for social change.
A educação é um instrumento para mudança social.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'instrumento' is widely used in both formal contexts (legal, medical, musical) and everyday language. Music is an integral part of Brazilian culture, so musical instruments (instrumentos musicais) hold particular cultural significance. The word is also commonly used in business and legal Portuguese.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
ferramentautensílioaparelhodispositivomeio

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
instrumento
Standard usage across all contexts
Rio de Janeiro
instrumento
Common in both formal and informal speech
São Paulo
instrumento
Standard usage; frequently used in business and legal contexts
Portugal
instrumento
Identical usage to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

músicaorquestraferramentaequipamentodispositivodocumento

Related Idioms & Phrases

instrumento de trabalho (work tool)
instrumento de tortura (instrument of torture)
instrumento financeiro (financial instrument)
instrumento político (political tool)
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