keynote

key·note  (knt)

n.

1. The tonic of a musical key.

2. A prime underlying element or theme: "The keynote of the revolution settlement was personal freedom under the law" (G.M. Trevelyan).

tr.v. key·not·ed, key·not·ing, key·notes

1. To give or set the keynote of.

2. Informal To give a keynote address at: keynoted the press luncheon.

---

keynote

Noun

1. a central or dominant idea in a speech or literary work

2. the note on which a scale or key is based

Adjective

central or dominating: his keynote speech to the party conference

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	keynote - the principal theme in a speech or literary work subject, theme, topic - the subject matter of a conversation or discussion; "he didn't want to discuss that subject"; "it was a very sensitive topic"; "his letters were always on the theme of love" keynote address, keynote speech - a speech setting forth the keynote
	2.	keynote - a fundamental or central idea idea, thought - the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about; "it was not a good idea"; "the thought never entered my mind"
	3.	keynote - (music) the first note of a diatonic scale tonic musical note, note, tone - a notation representing the pitch and duration of a musical sound; "the singer held the note too long" C - (music) the keynote of the scale of C major music - an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
Verb	1.	keynote - set the keynote of; "Comfort keynotes this designer's Fall collection" set - put into a certain state; cause to be in a certain state; "set the house afire"
	2.	keynote - give the keynote address to (an audience) address, speak - give a speech to; "The chairman addressed the board of trustees"

---

keynote

noun heart, centre, theme, core, substance, essence, marrow, kernel, gist, pith

Translations

keynote [ˈkiːnəut] n (MUS) → tónica;

(fig) → idea fundamental

keynote [ˈkiːnəut] n (Mus) → tonique f (fig); note dominante

keynote [ˈkiːnəut] key n → Grundton m;

(of speech) → Leitgedanke m

keynote [ˈkiːnəut] n (MUS) → tonica;

(fig) → nota dominante