Key Meaning and Definition
Key
Pronunciation
/ki/
Part of Speech
Proper Noun, Adjective
Definition
A key is a device used to unlock or operate a lock, or a symbol or code representing a particular note in music or a specific value in a cryptographic context.
Examples
- She pulled out the key and unlocked the door.
- The song features a catchy melody played on the piano’s key.
Synonyms
- Lock
- Code
Antonyms
- Lockout
- Encryption
Etymology
The word “key” has its roots in Old English, derived from the Proto-Germanic word “kai,” which is also the source of the Modern English word “lock.”
Usage Notes
In music, the term “key” can refer to a piece of music written in a specific set of notes, such as a minor key or major key.
Cultural References
The phrase “the key to success” is often used in popular culture, and key symbols are common motifs in songs and films to represent unlocking potential or discovering hidden secrets.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- The key to a person’s heart
- The key to success
Related Words or Phrases
- Lock
- Code
- Unlock
Collocations
- Key figure
- Key player
- Key to the game
Frequency of Use
The word “key” is a commonly used term in everyday language, with an estimated frequency of 1 in 10,000 words.
Common Misspellings
- Kay
- Kee