# keynote

/ˈkiˌnoʊt/ (US) · /kˈiːnəʊt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/keynote
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. main speech

noun · CEFR B2

the most important speech at a conference that introduces the main ideas.

For teachers: the opening address at a professional gathering or conference that establishes the central theme.

- The CEO gave the keynote at the technology conference this morning.
- The keynote was delivered by a renowned environmentalist who challenged the delegates to rethink their approach to sustainable urban development.

### 2. central theme

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. musical tonic

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to give the main speech

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually the event being addressed.

## Examples

- The keynote of the conference was innovation in technology.
- The CEO delivered a powerful keynote that outlined the company's vision for the next decade.
- The speaker's emphasis on environmental sustainability provided the keynote for the entire summit, influencing every subsequent panel discussion and workshop.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.