Instrument vs. Equipment — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 5, 2023
An instrument is a tool for precise work, especially in science and music; equipment refers to a set of tools needed for a specific activity.
Difference Between Instrument and Equipment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An instrument is often designed for specific tasks, like measuring, performing surgical procedures, or creating music. Equipment, however, refers to a broader set of tools or machinery designed for a particular purpose, such as sporting equipment or construction equipment. Each instrument is usually part of a larger set of equipment.
Instruments are typically associated with precision and detail. For instance, a violin is a musical instrument, and a thermometer is a scientific instrument. Equipment, on the other hand, may not require such precision and can include a wide array of items like computers, desks, and even vehicles — essential for conducting a business or activity.
The term instrument is also used metaphorically to denote a means to an end, such as "an instrument of change." Equipment does not commonly carry such metaphorical uses and is more straightforward in its reference to tangible objects used for specific tasks or activities.
In some contexts, instruments can be part of equipment. In a medical setting, surgical instruments like scalpels or forceps are part of the overall equipment of the operating room. Conversely, equipment is not typically a component of an instrument but rather the comprehensive category under which various instruments are included.
Instruments usually require a certain skill level to be used effectively. They are often delicate and finely tuned, such as musical instruments or scientific instruments used for experiments. Equipment may or may not require training or skill, often designed for more general use and durability, like gym equipment or office equipment.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A device used for precise tasks in various fields.
A set of tools or machinery for specific activities.
Precision
High precision and specificity.
Broad functionality, not always precise.
Usage
Requires specialized skill or knowledge.
Can be used by a broader audience with minimal training.
Context
Science, music, professional tasks.
General activities, including sports, business, etc.
Scale
Typically smaller and more detailed.
Can range from small tools to large machines.
Compare with Definitions
Instrument
An instrument is a tool for scientific measurement.
The meteorologist used an instrument to measure atmospheric pressure.
Equipment
Equipment encompasses athletic gear used in sports.
His football equipment was stored in the locker room.
Instrument
An instrument is a device crafted to produce musical sounds.
She played a haunting melody on her stringed instrument.
Equipment
Equipment includes tools used in a profession or hobby.
The photographer’s equipment was very expensive.
Instrument
In finance, an instrument is a legal document representing a right to payment.
Bonds are debt instruments that entities issue to raise capital.
Equipment
In business, equipment comprises the assets used in day-to-day operations.
The company invested in new office equipment.
Instrument
In medicine, an instrument is used to perform surgical tasks.
The surgeon requested a sharper instrument for the procedure.
Equipment
Equipment can also mean the personal belongings of military personnel.
The soldiers checked their equipment before the mission.
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.
Equipment
Equipment refers to the necessary items for a specific activity.
The campers packed their equipment for the weekend in the woods.
Instrument
A device for recording, measuring, or controlling, especially such a device functioning as part of a control system.
Equipment
The act of equipping or the state of being equipped
Responsible for the rapid equipment of the troops.
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.
Equipment
Something with which a person, organization, or thing is equipped
The athletes keep their equipment in the locker room.
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).
Equipment
The rolling stock especially of a transportation system.
Instrument
One used by another to accomplish a purpose; a dupe.
Equipment
The mental and emotional resources of an individual
Doesn't have the equipment to cope.
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.
Equipment
The act of equipping, or the state of being equipped, as for a voyage or expedition.
Instrument
To provide or equip with instruments.
Equipment
Any items used in equipping something or someone, for example things needed for an expedition or voyage.
We need more gardening equipment if we want to properly landscape our yard, not just a rake and some gloves.
The sports shop sells different kits of famous clubs, and equipment from all kind of sports.
Instrument
(Music) To compose or arrange for performance.
Equipment
The male genitalia.
Instrument
A device used to produce music.
The violinist was a master of her instrument.
Equipment
The act of equipping, or the state of being equipped, as for a voyage or expedition.
The equipment of the fleet was hastened by De Witt.
Instrument
A means or agency for achieving an effect.
Equipment
Whatever is used in equipping; necessaries for an expedition or voyage; the collective designation for the articles comprising an outfit; equipage; as, a railroad equipment (locomotives, cars, etc. ; for carrying on business); horse equipments; infantry equipments; naval equipments; laboratory equipments.
Armed and dight,In the equipments of a knight.
Instrument
A measuring or displaying device.
The instrument detected an increase in radioactivity.
Equipment
An instrumentality needed for an undertaking or to perform a service
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.
Instrument
Ellipsis of flight instrument
Flight within clouds must be made by reference to your instruments.
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.
Instrument
(figuratively) A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal.
Instrument
(transitive) To apply measuring devices.
An instrumented test article
Instrument
(transitive) To devise, conceive, cook up, plan.
Instrument
To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument.
A sonata instrumented for orchestra
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.
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.
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.
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.
Instrument
To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra.
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.
Instrument
A device that requires skill for proper use
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
Instrument
A person used by another to gain an end
Instrument
(law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
Instrument
The semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process
Instrument
Any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds
Instrument
Equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling
Instrument
Write an instrumental score for
Instrument
Address a legal document to
Instrument
An instrument can be a means for achieving a policy.
The new legislation was an instrument for environmental reform.
Common Curiosities
Is a microscope an instrument or equipment?
A microscope is considered an instrument used for detailed scientific observation.
Is a computer an instrument or equipment?
A computer is generally categorized as equipment, but certain specialized computers can be instruments.
Do all professions use instruments?
Many professions use instruments, but the specific type varies greatly depending on the field.
What kind of training is required to use an instrument?
It depends on the instrument; some require specialized education, while others may just need general instructions.
Can the term "instrument" refer to something intangible?
Yes, "instrument" can metaphorically refer to means or methods, not just physical objects.
Can equipment include instruments?
Yes, equipment can include various instruments, especially in settings like laboratories or hospitals.
Is heavy machinery considered equipment?
Yes, heavy machinery is a form of equipment, typically used in construction or manufacturing.
Is sports gear considered equipment?
Yes, sports gear is commonly referred to as sporting equipment.
Are instruments only used for scientific purposes?
No, instruments are used in various fields, including science, music, and finance.
Do you need an instrument to make music?
Yes, musical compositions typically require a musical instrument, but vocal music can be an exception.
Is a smartphone considered an instrument?
A smartphone is generally classified as equipment, but it has instrument-like features for certain applications.
Are there instruments that do not require precision?
Most instruments are designed for precision, but some, like simple hand tools, may not be as precise.
Is a vehicle an instrument?
A vehicle is usually not considered an instrument; it's typically categorized as equipment.
Can equipment be rented?
Yes, equipment for various tasks can often be rented.
Is kitchenware considered equipment?
Yes, kitchenware is a type of household equipment used for cooking and food preparation.
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Written by
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.
