Key

A small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock, which is inserted into a lock and turned to open or close it., A thing that provides a means of achieving or understanding something., A set of buttons on a machine or instrument that must be pressed in combination to operate it., A word or phrase that functions as a key to a code or cipher., A set of answers, explanations, or information used to solve a problem or explain something.

Key - Meanings

A small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock, which is inserted into a lock and turned to open or close it.

Example: She used the key to unlock the door.

Usage: formalContext: security, locksmithing

Note: Commonly used in technical or security-related discussions.

A thing that provides a means of achieving or understanding something.

Example: Education is the key to success.

Usage: formalContext: motivational, educational

Note: Metaphorical usage to signify importance or necessity.

A set of buttons on a machine or instrument that must be pressed in combination to operate it.

Example: Press the red key to start the engine.

Usage: formalContext: technology, machinery

Note: Commonly used in technical or mechanical contexts.

A word or phrase that functions as a key to a code or cipher.

Example: The spy used a secret key to decode the message.

Usage: formalContext: espionage, cryptography

Note: Often used in spy or detective stories.

A set of answers, explanations, or information used to solve a problem or explain something.

Example: The key to solving this puzzle is paying attention to the details.

Usage: formalContext: problem-solving, analysis

Note: Commonly used in academic or analytical discussions.

Key's synonyms

crucial

Crucial emphasizes the importance or necessity of something, similar to how a key is essential for unlocking or starting something.

Example: Effective communication is crucial in building strong relationships.

Note: Crucial implies a higher level of significance or importance compared to key.

essential

Essential means absolutely necessary or extremely important, much like a key is necessary for opening a lock.

Example: Good time management is essential for productivity.

Note: Essential is a broader term that can encompass a wider range of importance compared to key.

vital

Vital refers to something that is absolutely necessary or essential for life or success, similar to how a key is necessary for unlocking a door.

Example: Regular exercise is vital for maintaining good health.

Note: Vital often conveys a sense of critical importance or necessity, similar to key.

Key expressions, common phrases

Key to success

This phrase refers to the essential factor or element necessary for achieving success.

Example: Hard work is often seen as the key to success in life.

Note: The phrase 'key to success' emphasizes the critical aspect needed for achieving success, rather than just a physical key.

On key

Being on key means performing accurately in terms of pitch or timing, especially in music.

Example: The singer delivered a flawless performance, hitting every note on key.

Note: In this context, 'key' refers to being in tune or in harmony, not a physical key.

Under lock and key

To keep something securely locked away, typically to protect it from theft or unauthorized access.

Example: The valuable documents were kept under lock and key in the safe.

Note: This idiom implies a high level of security or protection, not just a physical key.

Key player

Refers to a person who plays a crucial or essential role in a particular situation or activity.

Example: She is a key player in the company's marketing strategy.

Note: In this context, 'key' highlights the importance or significance of the individual, not a literal key.

Turn the key

To use a key to start a vehicle or machine by turning it in a lock or ignition.

Example: He turned the key in the ignition, and the car started smoothly.

Note: This phrase directly involves using a physical key to activate or start something.

Key in on

To focus or concentrate on a specific detail or aspect, especially in order to understand or solve a problem.

Example: The detective decided to key in on the suspect's alibi for further investigation.

Note: In this case, 'key' denotes focusing on a particular point or detail, not a literal key.

Skeleton key

A master key that can open various locks, typically associated with older buildings or structures.

Example: The old house had a skeleton key that could open every door in the building.

Note: A 'skeleton key' is a specific type of key that can open multiple locks, unlike regular keys designed for specific locks.

Key everyday (slang) expressions

Lose the keys

This phrase means to misplace or not be able to find a set of keys.

Example: I always lose the keys to my car!

Note: The slang term refers specifically to misplacing keys, whereas 'keys' in the original sense usually means the physical object used to open locks.

The key to it all

This expression means the essential factor or solution to a successful outcome or understanding.

Example: Time management is the key to it all when it comes to meeting deadlines.

Note: While 'key' in the original sense often refers to a tool for opening locks, this slang term emphasizes the crucial aspect or solution for a particular situation.

In the key of

This phrase refers to the musical key in which a piece of music is written or performed.

Example: She loves to sing in the key of G major.

Note: The slang term 'in the key of' specifically relates to musical notation, while 'key' in the original sense pertains to an object used to operate a lock.

Keyed up

This term means to feel excited, anxious, or nervous about something.

Example: I'm feeling really keyed up about the upcoming exam.

Note: The slang term implies heightened emotions, typically excitement or nervousness, while 'key' in the original sense denotes an object used to open a lock.

Keyed into

To be aware of or knowledgeable about a particular subject or trend.

Example: He is keyed into all the latest trends in technology.

Note: The slang term suggests being well-informed or connected to a specific topic, unlike 'key' in the original sense, which refers to a tool for unlocking.

Keyed in

To be ready, alert, or paying attention to something that is about to happen.

Example: Make sure you're keyed in when the meeting starts.

Note: This slang term conveys being prepared or attentive, especially before an event, in contrast to the physical object 'key' used to open locks.

Key takeaway

The most important or significant point to remember or learn from a discussion or presentation.

Example: The key takeaway from the seminar was the importance of communication.

Note: While 'key' in its original sense refers to a tool to unlock something, this slang term emphasizes the crucial or main point to remember or understand.

Key - Examples

The key to success is hard work.

It is important to focus on key issues.

This is a key component of the project.

Key grammar

Key - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)

Lemma: key

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): keys

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): key

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): keyed

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): keying

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): keys

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): key

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): key

Syllables, Separation and Stress

key Contains 1 syllables: key

Phonetic transcription: ˈkē

key , ˈkē (The red syllable is stressed)

Key - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

key: ~ 1400 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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