2006-11-05 03:09:36 · 5 answers · asked by bardiasareh 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Good question! These two words are considered synonyms, that is, both mean "apparatus, gadget and tool". However, they are used in quite different contexts. After analyzing them carefully, I came up with the following explanation:
INSTRUMENT: refers to OBJECTS that people use in order to do something (a piano> to play; a scalpel>to perform an operation; a document>to provide evidence; a witness>to testify in Court). These are all instruments used by someone in order to ACCOMPLISH something. It is interesting to note that even a person may be used as an instrument (but not as a "device").
DEVICE: refers to something that people CREATE or PRODUCE (to conceive [a plan]; to put together [a scheme]; to make up [an invention]; to create [a design]). All these will SERVE some specific PURPOSE.
2006-11-05 14:18:10 · answer #1 · answered by Nice 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A device refers to a mechanism designed to accomplish a purpose, any purpose. An instrument is a device that measures or produces a measured result. A scale is an instrument (device) that measures weight or mass. A musical instrument (device) produces a measured pitch when played. A jack is a device that raises a car but not at specific measured intervals.
2006-11-05 03:20:42 · answer #2 · answered by Magic One 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Device: An instrumentality invented for a particular purpose.
Instrument: A device that requires skill for proper use.
2006-11-05 03:13:26 · answer #3 · answered by Tracy T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A device usually refers to an electrical appliance, while an instrument is more likely to be an inanimate object.
2006-11-05 05:04:48 · answer #4 · answered by Katie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in some ways they are the same, but they also have seperate meanings. instrument=tool, or doctors tool, device=electrical device, or computer device
2006-11-05 03:13:08 · answer #5 · answered by A BEAR=-) 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋