Definition

1. Noun:

   • (Music) The first note of a diatonic scale: The keynote is the tonic, the central note upon which a musical key is based and to which the music often returns.
   • A fundamental or central idea: The keynote is the most important or foundational concept in a discussion, plan, or philosophy.
   • The principal theme in a speech or literary work: The keynote is the main message or recurring idea that forms the core of a presentation or written piece.

2. Verb:

   • To give the keynote address to (an audience): To deliver the main or opening speech at a conference or large meeting.
   • To set the keynote of; to be the dominant feature or quality of something: To establish the central tone, theme, or character.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • In the key of C major, the note C is the keynote.
  • The keynote of his philosophy was individual freedom.
  • The speaker's keynote was the urgent need for environmental conservation.

• Verb:

  • A famous scientist was invited to keynote the international conference.
  • A sense of optimism keynotes her latest novel.

Advanced Usage

• "To strike/hit the right keynote": To express or establish exactly the right tone or central idea for a particular situation.

  • The manager's speech struck the right keynote for the team's new project, inspiring confidence and focus.

• "Keynote" as an attributive noun (used adjectivally): Often used to describe the principal or most important item in a category.

  • She is scheduled to give the keynote speech at the summit.
  • He was the keynote speaker for the event.

Variants and Related Words

• Keynote Address / Keynote Speech (n.): The main speech at a large meeting, especially one that establishes the central theme.

  • The CEO's keynote address outlined the company's vision for the next decade.

• Keynoter (n.): A person who delivers a keynote address.

  • The conference keynoter was a Nobel laureate.

Synonyms

• Noun (for central idea): Core, essence, gist, heart, linchpin, theme.
• Verb (for setting the tone): Characterize, define, dominate, set the tone for.

Related Phrases

• "To deliver a keynote": To give the main speech at an event.

  • She will deliver a keynote on artificial intelligence ethics.

• "To set the keynote": To establish the prevailing mood or central theme.

  • The director's opening remarks set the keynote for a productive and collaborative workshop.

Related Idioms

• "To sound the keynote": To announce or signal the start of something, especially by establishing its main theme.
  • The president's declaration sounded the keynote for a period of major economic reform.

Noun

1. (music) the first note of a diatonic scale
2. a fundamental or central idea
3. the principal theme in a speech or literary work

Verb

1. give the keynote address to (an audience)
2. set the keynote of
   • Comfort keynotes this designer's Fall collection