key
key
Pronunciation
Key
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /kiː/
Syllable 1: /kiː/
/k/ as in "cat" (voiceless velar stop)
/iː/ as in "sheep" (long high front unrounded vowel)
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: key
Plural: keys
Verb:
Base form: key
Past tense: keyed
Past participle: keyed
Present participle: keying
Third-person singular present: keys
Adjective:
Base form: key (used attributively)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A small, shaped piece of metal or plastic, or a similar instrument, used to open or close a lock, or to operate a mechanism.
Synonyms: opener, activator, mechanism
Antonyms: lock (as the opposite function)
Something that provides a means of access or understanding to a difficult or complex situation, problem, or concept; a crucial element or explanation.
Synonyms: solution, answer, secret, explanation, clue, Rosetta Stone (figurative)
Antonyms: enigma, puzzle, mystery, obstruction, barrier
A button or lever on a keyboard, piano, or other instrument that is pressed to operate it or produce a sound.
Synonyms: button, lever, control, switch, tab
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; refers to a specific component)
(Music) A set of related notes or chords based on a particular tone, forming a tonality.
Synonyms: tonality, scale, mode
Antonyms: atonality, dissonance (as a lack of key)
(Cartography/Legend) A list of symbols, colors, or patterns used on a map or chart, along with their meanings.
Synonyms: legend, rubric, guide, index, glossary
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; refers to a specific map component)
Verb
To enter or input information using a keyboard or keypad.
Synonyms: type, input, enter, punch in
Antonyms: erase, delete, output, display
To align or secure (a part) with a key; to fit or fasten with a key.
Synonyms: align, fasten, secure, lock (in a mechanical sense)
Antonyms: misalign, unfasten, loosen
To scratch or damage (a car or surface) with a key or similar sharp object. (Informal, often malicious)
Synonyms: scratch, mar, deface, vandalize
Antonyms: repair, restore, polish, protect
Adjective
Of crucial importance; essential or fundamental.
Synonyms: crucial, essential, vital, fundamental, critical, pivotal, paramount
Antonyms: insignificant, minor, trivial, peripheral, negligible, unimportant
Examples of Use
Books:
"The ancient scroll held the key to unlocking the hidden chamber deep within the temple." (From a fictional adventure novel, generic example, referring to a solution)
"She handed him the small, ornate key, telling him it opened the garden gate." (From a novel, generic example, referring to a physical key)
"Understanding the socio-economic factors is key to addressing urban poverty." (From a non-fiction academic text, generic example, meaning "essential")
Newspapers:
"Analysts say data privacy will be a key issue for tech companies in the next decade." (From a business or technology section, generic example, meaning "crucial")
"Police recovered a set of suspicious keys from the abandoned vehicle at the crime scene." (From a crime report, generic example, referring to physical keys)
"The government announced a new initiative to provide every student with a free laptop and learn how to key in basic coding commands." (From an education news report, generic example, referring to typing)
Online Publications:
"The ultimate guide to finding your lost car keys." (From a lifestyle or practical advice blog, e.g., Lifehacker.com)
"Artificial intelligence holds the key to breakthroughs in medical research." (From a science or technology news site, e.g., Wired.com)
"Mastering your keyboard shortcuts: The key to faster productivity." (From a productivity blog, e.g., Zapier Blog)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "You hold the key to my heart." (Dialogue from a romantic film, generic metaphorical example)
Television Series: "This ancient inscription provides the key to understanding the alien language." (Dialogue from a sci-fi or fantasy series, generic example)
Music (Song Lyrics): "She's got the keys to the car, and she's driving away." (From a pop or country song, generic example)
Video Games: "Find the golden key to unlock the final boss chamber." (In-game objective or item description, e.g., The Legend of Zelda or Resident Evil)
Podcasts: "Our guest today reveals the key strategies for building a successful startup from scratch." (From a business or entrepreneurial podcast, generic example)
General Public Discourse:
"Where did I put my car keys?" (Common everyday question)
"Communication is key to a healthy relationship." (Common advice)
"Can you key in my password for me?" (Common request, referring to typing)
"That's a key difference between the two approaches." (Common observation)
"He's always trying to key up the piano before a performance." (Common musical context, referring to tuning or adjusting)
10 Famous Quotes Using Key
“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” — George Washington Carver
“The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire not things we fear.” — Brian Tracy
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” — Stephen R. Covey
“The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but on significance.” — Oprah Winfrey
“Gratitude is the key to a happy heart.” — Unknown (widely quoted in motivational contexts)
“Patience is the key to paradise.” — Turkish Proverb
“The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering.” — Bruce Lee
“Self-awareness is the key to self-mastery.” — Gretchen Rubin (attributed)
“The key to change is to let go of fear.” — Rosanne Cash
“Consistency is the key to success.” — Tony Robbins (widely attributed in business and personal development circles)
Etymology
The word "key" is a bit of a mystery in terms of its absolute earliest roots, but we know its journey through Old English.
It comes from the Old English word "cǣġ" (pronounced something like "kay-j"). While its very distant origin is uncertain (linguists haven't definitively linked it to a common ancestor of many languages like Proto-Indo-European), we know it was present in Old English. The only close relative we can confidently point to is the Old Frisian word "kei" (Frisian is a language closely related to English, spoken in parts of the Netherlands and Germany).
So, the first known use and meaning of "key" in Old English, dating back to before 1150 AD, was primarily a metal instrument used to operate a lock. It was the tool that "opened the way."
Interestingly, even in Old English, "cǣġ" already had a figurative meaning of "solution" or "explanation," implying that it opened understanding. This shows that the metaphorical uses of "key" are almost as old as its literal meaning! The musical sense (like a piano key or a musical key) and the sense of something "crucially important" developed much later, often influenced by translations from Latin and French terms that also used similar "key" metaphors.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Key
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "key," supplemented as needed:
Key to success: The essential factor or method for achieving a goal.
Key player: A crucial and influential member of a team or group.
Key in (data): To enter information using a keyboard.
Key up (to a pitch): To tune an instrument to a particular musical pitch; metaphorically, to prepare for something.
On key: In tune (music); accurate or appropriate.
Turn the key: To start a car or an engine.
The master key: A single key that can open many different locks; metaphorically, a universal solution.
Low-key: Not elaborate, showy, or intense; relaxed.
High-key: Intense, prominent, or very energetic. (Opposite of low-key)
The essential element: A fundamental component, similar to a "key" factor. (Synonymous phrase)
A pivotal moment: A crucial or critical point in time. (Uses a synonym, "pivotal")
Unlock the mystery: To find the solution or explanation to a puzzle. (Implies using a figurative "key")
The heart of the matter: The central or most important part of an issue. (Synonymous with the "key" point)
Crucial detail: An indispensable piece of information. (Original phrase, emphasizing importance)
The core principle: A fundamental truth or belief. (Synonymous with a "key" principle)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of key from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
