Key
/kiː/
Definitions
6 meaningsA shaped piece of metal used to open or close a lock.
/kiː/
A small piece of metal that operates a lock.
She fumbled in her purse for her keys.
💡 Simply: It's a little piece of metal that unlocks doors or cars. Think of losing your key and being locked out!
👶 For kids: A little piece of metal that helps you open a door or start a car.
More Examples
The locksmith made a new key for the old lock.
He kept the key to the safe hidden.
How It's Used
"I couldn't find my keys to unlock the front door."
"He put the key in the ignition and started the car."
Something that provides a means of achieving a result; an essential or crucial factor.
/kiː/
An essential component or factor.
Hard work is a key ingredient for success.
💡 Simply: The most important thing you need to know or do to succeed. Like, knowing the key to a good test grade is studying!
👶 For kids: The most important thing you need to do something or understand something.
More Examples
The key to solving this problem is careful analysis.
He believes that education is the key to a better future.
How It's Used
"Innovation is a key driver of economic growth."
"Understanding the key concepts is crucial for mastering the subject."
A thing that provides access to something.
/kiː/
The password is the key to accessing the restricted documents.
💡 Simply: What you need to get into something. Like, the password is the key to your computer!
👶 For kids: Something you need to get into something, like a password to play a game.
More Examples
The key to the safe was lost.
He uses a security key to protect his data.
How It's Used
"The key to a Wi-Fi network to gain access."
"Enter your security key to access your files."
A lever that is pressed on a keyboard or similar device.
/kiː/
A button pressed on a keyboard.
Press any key to continue.
💡 Simply: The buttons on a keyboard! When you press them, letters or symbols appear on the screen.
👶 For kids: The buttons on your computer or phone that you press to type.
More Examples
She typed the document using the keyboard keys.
The escape key is used to exit the program.
How It's Used
"Press the 'Enter' key to submit your answer."
"The keyboard has many keys for different letters and symbols."
To provide information or clues to someone.
/kiː/
To provide the key to (a problem or situation).
His testimony keyed the investigators into the truth.
💡 Simply: To give someone information or clues that helps them understand something.
👶 For kids: To give a hint or clue to help someone understand something.
More Examples
The journalist's interview keyed the public into the scandal.
The evidence keyed her belief.
How It's Used
"The clues keyed the reader into the solution."
"Her statement keyed his surprise."
To adjust a device to a specific setting.
/kiː/
To set or adjust (a mechanism or instrument) to a particular frequency or pitch.
He keyed the guitar to the right tuning.
💡 Simply: To adjust something, like a radio or a musical instrument, to get the right sound or signal.
👶 For kids: To change a machine so it works right, like turning a radio to a different station.
More Examples
Key the radio to the designated frequency.
The technician keyed the instrument to the desired setting.
How It's Used
"The musician keyed the instrument to the correct pitch."
"Key the transmitter to start broadcasting."
Synonyms
Fob
Core
Critical
Crucial
Essential
Button
Explain
Adjust
Idioms & expressions
key in
To enter data into a computer or other electronic device, usually by typing.
"Please key in your password."
key to the city
An honor bestowed by a city, granting privileges of a citizen.
"The singer received the key to the city."
From Old English *cǣġ*, related to Dutch *kaei* and German *Schlüssel*, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *kaigaz*, possibly related to a root meaning 'bent' or 'hooked'.
The word 'key' has been used since Old English, initially referring to a physical locking device. Its metaphorical use as an essential element or factor developed over time.