Device vs. Instrument — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
A device is generally any object created to serve a purpose, while an instrument is typically a precision tool or apparatus used for scientific or technical purposes.
Difference Between Device and Instrument
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A device is commonly an apparatus or a tool designed to perform a specific function or set of functions. Meanwhile, an instrument additionally usually implies a degree of precision and, often, a specific purpose related to measurement or control.
The term device broadly encompasses objects with a variety of functionalities and doesn’t necessarily imply specialized use. Instruments, however, most often refer to items used for detailed observations, measurements, or to perform a specialized task.
You may note that all instruments can be devices because they are tools made for a purpose. However, not all devices can be called instruments, as not all of them possess the precision and specialized functionality typically associated with instruments.
In technology, a device might refer to an everyday object with a straightforward function. On the other hand, an instrument, particularly in scientific or musical contexts, usually has a precision-oriented, measurement-related role.
In everyday language, a device can be something as common as a smartphone, while an instrument may immediately bring to mind items like a thermometer or a violin, which are used for specific activities like measuring temperature or creating music.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An object made for a general purpose.
A tool designed for precision tasks.
Use in a Sentence
I bought a new device for my kitchen.
The scientist calibrated the instrument.
Synonym
Apparatus
Apparatus with precision
Use in Technology
Refers to any electronic tool.
Often denotes precise measuring tools.
Associated Field
Can be associated with various fields.
Commonly associated with science/music.
Compare with Definitions
Device
A strategy or scheme for effecting a purpose.
His apology was just a device to escape punishment.
Instrument
A tool used for precision work or measurement.
The surgeon selected the appropriate instrument.
Device
A thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment
A measuring device
Instrument
A tool or implement used to do or facilitate work, especially a small precision tool used by a professional
Sterilized the scalpel and other surgical instruments.
Device
A plan, method, or trick with a particular aim
Writing a letter to a newspaper is a traditional device for signalling dissent
Instrument
A device for recording, measuring, or controlling, especially such a device functioning as part of a control system.
Device
A drawing or design
The decorative device on the invitations
Instrument
(Music) A device designed to enable a person to make musical sounds, as by blowing into it, striking it, depressing the keys on a keyboard, or plucking, strumming, or running a bow over strings.
Device
An object designed and manufactured to perform one or more functions.
Instrument
A means by which something is done; an agency
"The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices / Make instruments to plague us" (Shakespeare).
Device
A literary contrivance, such as parallelism or personification, used to achieve a particular effect.
Instrument
One used by another to accomplish a purpose; a dupe.
Device
A decorative design, figure, or pattern, as one used in embroidery.
Instrument
A legal document, especially one that represents a right of payment or conveys an interest, such as a check, promissory note, deed, or will.
Device
A graphic symbol or motto, especially in heraldry.
Instrument
To provide or equip with instruments.
Device
A plan or scheme for accomplishing something
“Now Lydgate might have called at the warehouse, or might have written a message on a leaf of his pocket-book and left it at the door. Yet these simple devices apparently did not occur to him” (George Eliot).
Instrument
(Music) To compose or arrange for performance.
Device
Any piece of equipment made for a particular purpose, especially a mechanical or electrical one.
Instrument
A device used to produce music.
The violinist was a master of her instrument.
Device
(computer hardware) A peripheral device; an item of hardware.
Instrument
A means or agency for achieving an effect.
Device
A project or scheme, often designed to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.
Instrument
A measuring or displaying device.
The instrument detected an increase in radioactivity.
Device
(Ireland) An improvised explosive device, home-made bomb
Instrument
A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.
The dentist set down his tray of instruments.
The scientist recorded the temperature with a thermometer but wished he had a more accurate instrument.
Device
(rhetoric) A technique that an author or speaker uses to evoke an emotional response in the audience; a rhetorical device.
Instrument
Ellipsis of flight instrument
Flight within clouds must be made by reference to your instruments.
Device
(heraldry) A motto, emblem, or other mark used to distinguish the bearer from others. A device differs from a badge or cognizance primarily as it is a personal distinction, and not a badge borne by members of the same house successively.
Instrument
(legal) A legal document, such as a contract, deed, trust, mortgage, power, indenture, or will.
A bond indenture is the instrument that gives a bond its value.
Negotiable instruments are the foundation of the debt markets.
Device
(archaic) Power of devising; invention; contrivance.
Instrument
(figuratively) A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal.
Device
(legal) An image used in whole or in part as a trademark or service mark.
Instrument
(transitive) To apply measuring devices.
An instrumented test article
Device
(printing) An image or logo denoting official or proprietary authority or provenience.
Instrument
(transitive) To devise, conceive, cook up, plan.
Device
(obsolete) A spectacle or show.
Instrument
To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument.
A sonata instrumented for orchestra
Device
(obsolete) Opinion; decision.
Instrument
That by means of which any work is performed, or result is effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; a device; as, the instruments of a mechanic; astronomical instruments.
All the lofty instruments of war.
Device
That which is devised, or formed by design; a contrivance; an invention; a project; a scheme; often, a scheme to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.
His device in against Babylon, to destroy it.
Their recent device of demanding benevolences.
He disappointeth the devices of the crafty.
Instrument
A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are produced; as, a musical instrument.
Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
But signs when songs and instruments he hears.
Device
Power of devising; invention; contrivance.
I must have instruments of my own device.
Instrument
A writing, as the means of giving formal expression to some act; a writing expressive of some act, contract, process, as a deed, contract, writ, etc.
Device
An emblematic design, generally consisting of one or more figures with a motto, used apart from heraldic bearings to denote the historical situation, the ambition, or the desire of the person adopting it. See Cognizance.
Knights-errant used to distinguish themselves by devices on their shields.
A banner with this strange device -Excelsior.
Instrument
One who, or that which, is made a means, or is caused to serve a purpose; a medium, means, or agent; as, their army was primarily an instrument of oppression.
Or useful serving man and instrument,To any sovereign state.
The bold are but the instruments of the wise.
Device
Anything fancifully conceived.
Instrument
To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.
Device
A spectacle or show.
Instrument
To furnish or equip with instruments; to attach instruments to; as, the fighter planes were heavily instrumented; the patient was instrumented to monitor him remotely.
Device
Opinion; decision.
Instrument
A device that requires skill for proper use
Device
Any artifactual object designed to perform an action or process, with or without an operator in attendance.
Instrument
The means whereby some act is accomplished;
My greed was the instrument of my destruction
Science has given us new tools to fight disease
Device
An instrumentality invented for a particular purpose;
The device is small enough to wear on your wrist
A device intended to conserve water
Instrument
A person used by another to gain an end
Device
Something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect
Instrument
(law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
Device
Any clever (deceptive) maneuver;
He would stoop to any device to win a point
Instrument
The semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process
Device
Any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery)
Instrument
Any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds
Device
An emblematic design (especially in heraldry);
He was recognized by the device on his shield
Instrument
Equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling
Device
A tool designed to perform a specific task.
The device easily peeled and cored the apples.
Instrument
Write an instrumental score for
Device
An electronic unit with a particular function.
She installed a new device to enhance her Wi-Fi signal.
Instrument
Address a legal document to
Device
A mechanism with a function in a larger system.
The device redirects airflow to optimize energy use.
Instrument
A means by which something is effected or done.
Law is an instrument for maintaining societal order.
Device
A thing made for a particular purpose.
The device is meant to make opening cans easier.
Instrument
A device for producing musical sounds.
She expertly played a musical instrument at the concert.
Instrument
A document as a means to an end.
The treaty is an instrument of peace between nations.
Instrument
A thing used in pursuing an aim or policy.
The new regulation is an instrument for change.
Common Curiosities
What is a device?
A device is an object or tool made to serve a specific purpose.
Can an instrument be a device?
Yes, since an instrument is created to serve a specific purpose, it can be considered a device.
Can the word device imply electronic items?
Yes, device often refers to electronic items like smartphones or tablets.
What is an instrument?
An instrument is typically a precision tool used for specific, often technical or scientific, tasks.
Can a device be an instrument?
Yes, if the device is used for precise, specialized tasks or measurements, it can be termed an instrument.
Does a device always have technological connotations?
No, while often used in a tech context, a device may refer to any tool.
What's a synonym for instrument in a musical context?
In music, synonyms might include “musical apparatus” or simply naming the specific item (e.g., piano, violin).
What is a common device in modern communication?
A smartphone is a common device used in modern communication.
Are the words device and instrument interchangeable?
Not always, as “instrument” often implies a level of precision that "device" does not.
What’s an example of a scientific instrument?
A microscope is an example of a scientific instrument.
How is instrument used in a policy context?
It might be referred to as a means or method, e.g., “an instrument of change.”
Is every instrument related to music?
No, instruments can be related to various fields like science, finance, etc.
Can a scheme or plan be termed a device?
Yes, device can metaphorically refer to schemes or plans.
Can a device be something simple and non-electronic?
Yes, a device can be a simple, non-electronic tool like a can opener.
Can an instrument refer to legal documents?
Yes, legal documents can be referred to as instruments in certain contexts.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
