keynote
KEE-noht
/ˈkiː.noʊt/
The principal speech or underlying theme delivered at a gathering that establishes the main tone or message.
Refers to the central featured address or foundational governing idea of an event.
The story behind the word. Originally an 18th-century musical term for the initial note played to set the key for a singing choir. By the 19th century, it expanded metaphorically to describe speeches that set the main theme for an assembly.
Word relationships
- plenary address: Plenary address specifies a session attended by all conference members, whereas keynote focuses on setting the central tone and theme.
Commonly confused with
- valedictory: A valedictory is a farewell speech by a top student, while a keynote address is the primary thematic speech by a featured guest.
Collocations
- keynote speech
- keynote address
- keynote speaker
Idioms & expressions
- set the keynote
Example sentences
- "The Nobel laureate delivered a moving keynote address during commencement." Commencement address
- "Her keynote speech emphasized the responsibility of young scholars in an AI-driven era." Event theme
Memory hook
The KEY NOTE unlocks the main pitch of the whole event! Pitch-setting main speech.
When not to use
Do not use for brief administrative remarks or casual introductory words.
Fun facts
- A cappella groups still rely on a pitch pipe to sound the literal keynote before singing without instruments.
Related words
Explore more words
valedictory, headliner, salience, pitch, give a presentation, undertone
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