Keynote
ˈkiːˌnəʊt
Definitions
2 meaningsA central or important address given at a conference or meeting, designed to set the tone or introduce the main topics.
ˈkiːˌnəʊt
A principal address at a meeting or conference.
The keynote speaker delivered an inspiring address on innovation.
💡 Simply: It's like the main speech at a big meeting or conference. Think of it as the most important talk that sets the stage for everything else!
👶 For kids: A keynote is like the most important talk at a big party for grown-ups!
More Examples
Attendance was high for the keynote at the beginning of the conference.
The keynote included a demonstration of the new software.
The conference ended with a rousing keynote address.
How It's Used
"The CEO's keynote speech opened the annual shareholders' meeting."
"The keynote at the tech conference showcased the latest advancements in AI."
To give a keynote speech or address at an event.
ˈkiːˌnəʊt
To deliver a keynote speech or address.
She will keynote the conference on renewable energy.
💡 Simply: To give the big speech at a meeting or conference.
👶 For kids: To give the most important talk at a grown-up gathering!
More Examples
He was asked to keynote the annual cybersecurity summit.
The president is expected to keynote a global summit on climate change.
Celebrity chefs will keynote the culinary festival.
How It's Used
"The renowned author will keynote the annual writers' conference."
"The professor was invited to keynote a workshop on sustainable development."
Idioms & expressions
Keynote address
The main speech at a conference or event.
"The keynote address focused on the latest trends in the industry."
Keynote speaker
The person delivering the main speech at a conference or event.
"The keynote speaker shared valuable insights with the audience."
From "key" (as in the central or most important element) + "note" (referring to a musical note, then by analogy to a significant speech or address). The term gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The term 'keynote' started to be used in business and political contexts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often in reference to important speeches at conventions or rallies.
Memory tip
Imagine a key unlocking the main themes – the keynote speech opens up the whole event.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: key