Definition

Noun: 1. The principal or main speech delivered at a large meeting, conference, or convention, designed to highlight the central theme and set the tone for the event. A keynote address outlines the core ideas, goals, or attitudes that the gathering will explore.

Usage

The term "keynote address" is used in formal contexts related to conferences, summits, and conventions. It refers to a significant, often opening, presentation given by a prominent speaker. * The keynote address is typically scheduled at the beginning of an event. * It is delivered by a keynote speaker. * Its purpose is to establish the central theme ("keynote") for the proceedings.

Examples

• The conference began with a keynote address on the future of artificial intelligence.
• She was invited to deliver the keynote address at the annual technology summit.
• The keynote address set an optimistic and ambitious tone for the rest of the day's discussions.

Advanced Usage

• "to deliver/give a keynote address": This is the standard collocation for the action of presenting this speech.
  • The CEO will deliver the keynote address at the product launch event.
• "keynote speaker": The person who gives the keynote address.
  • The identity of the keynote speaker generated a lot of excitement among attendees.

Variants and Related Words

• Keynote (noun): The central or most important idea, theme, or tone.
  • Innovation was the keynote of his entire presentation.
• Keynote (verb): To deliver the main speech at an event; to give the keynote address.
  • She will keynote the environmental conference next month.

Synonyms

• Plenary address: A speech intended for all participants of a conference.
• Opening address: A speech that opens an event (this may or may not be the thematic "keynote").

Related Phrases

• To set the tone: To establish a particular mood or attitude, which is the primary function of a keynote address.
  • The chairman's opening remarks set the tone for a constructive meeting.

Noun

1. a speech setting forth the keynote