key
- 01 A1 Beginner
n.a small piece of metal used to open a lock or start a car.
n.a metal instrument specifically shaped to operate the bolt of a lock.
Simple“He reached into his pocket and realized he had left his house keys at the office.”
In context“The landlord handed over a heavy ring of keys, explaining which ones accessed the main gate and which opened the basement storage.”
Synonymsopenerlatchkey - 02 A2 Elementary
n.one of the buttons you press on a computer, phone, or piano.
n.any of the buttons or levers on a keyboard, typewriter, or musical instrument that are depressed to produce a character or sound.
Simple“If the screen freezes, try pressing the escape key to close the program.”
In context“The pianist's fingers flew across the ivory keys, executing the complex concerto with remarkable precision and emotional depth.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
n.the most important thing that helps you understand or achieve something.
n.a crucial factor or explanation that provides a solution or means of understanding.
Simple“Hard work and a bit of luck were the keys to her success in business.”
In context“Identifying the primary motive of the suspect proved to be the key to solving the long-running investigation.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
n.a list of symbols or answers that explains what things mean on a map or in a book.
n.an explanatory list of symbols used in a map, table, or chart; also a set of answers to a test.
Simple“Check the key at the bottom of the map to see what the different colors represent.”
In context“The textbook includes an answer key in the back so students can check their progress on the practice exercises.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a set of musical notes that a piece of music is based on.
n.a group of notes based on a particular note and comprising a scale, serving as the harmonic foundation of a composition.
Simple“The song is written in the key of C major, so it sounds quite happy.”
In context“The singer requested a transposition because the original key was slightly outside her comfortable vocal range.”
Synonymsscaletonality - 06 C1 Advanced
n.a small, low island, especially in the Caribbean or near Florida.
n.a low-lying island or reef, often composed of coral or sand.
Simple“We spent our vacation exploring the different keys along the coast of Florida.”
In context“The archipelago consists of several uninhabited keys that serve as vital nesting grounds for local seabird populations.”
- 07 B1 Intermediate
adj.the most important or necessary part of something.
adj.of paramount importance; fundamental or essential to a system or result.
Simple“Education is a key part of a child's development.”
In context“The CEO identified three key areas where the company needed to improve to remain competitive in the global market.”
Antonyms - 08 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to type information into a computer or device.
v.to enter data into a computer system using a keyboard.
Simple“You need to key in your password before you can access the files.”
In context“The clerk spent the entire afternoon keying in the data from the paper applications into the new digital database.”
UsageOften used as the phrasal verb 'key in'.
- 09 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to damage a car by scratching the paint with a key.
v.to vandalize the bodywork of a vehicle by scratching it with a metal key.
Simple“He was angry and decided to key his ex-girlfriend's car.”
In context“The security footage showed a hooded figure walking past the parked vehicles and deliberately keying the side panels of the luxury sedan.”
Synonymsscratchvandalize
Usage key role · key part · key factor