keynote

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal

n. the main idea or mood of a book, a speech, or a plan.

n. the prevailing tone or central principle of a literary work, policy, or public discourse.

“Hope was the keynote of the president's entire speech to the nation.”

“The keynote of the new fiscal policy is fiscal responsibility, aiming to reduce the national deficit over the next decade.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Music Technical

n. the main note that a piece of music is based on.

n. the fundamental note on which a musical key or scale is based.

“The melody always returns to the keynote at the end of the song.”

“The composer experimented with atonality, deliberately avoiding a clear keynote to create a sense of constant tension.”

C1 · Advanced Formal

v. to be the main speaker who introduces the themes of a large meeting.

v. to deliver the primary address at a conference or convention.

“She was invited to keynote the international summit on climate change.”

“Having keynoteed several industry events last year, the professor was well-prepared to address the large audience of researchers.”