Key Meaning
Key Definition & Usage
A small, typically metal object used to unlock or lock something.
Examples
- "I can't find my house key anywhere."
- "She turned the key in the ignition and started the car."
- "He handed me the key to the office when I arrived this morning."
- "The hotel gave us two keys for the room."
- "The key to the ancient chest was buried deep in the sand."
Something that is crucial or essential for understanding or achieving something.
Examples
- "Her ability to stay calm under pressure was the key to her success."
- "Understanding the key concepts of the project is vital for moving forward."
- "The key to solving this problem lies in data analysis."
- "He didn’t realize the key to winning was teamwork, not individual effort."
- "The key to a successful business is good customer service."
One of the levers on a musical instrument, especially a piano, that is pressed to produce sound.
Examples
- "She pressed the key gently to play the note."
- "The pianist’s fingers danced across the keys."
- "He accidentally hit the wrong key while playing the sonata."
- "The organist played the lowest key to fill the church with sound."
- "Learning to play the keys of a piano takes a lot of practice."
Of crucial importance or primary significance.
Examples
- "The key decision-maker in this process is the CEO."
- "She played a key role in the development of the new policy."
- "It’s key to ensure we meet the deadline for the project."
- "The key issue here is the environmental impact of the proposal."
- "He is a key member of the research team."
To unlock or gain access to something using a key.
Examples
- "She keyed open the door and entered the house."
- "I need to key in the code to get into the system."
- "He keyed the lock carefully, afraid of breaking it."
- "She forgot to key in the password before the deadline."
- "They keyed in their IDs to access the restricted area."
Cultural Context
The word 'key' has Old English origins and has been used metaphorically since the 13th century to signify something crucial or fundamental. The physical key itself has symbolic meanings in many cultures, often representing security, authority, and access. Keys have long been associated with opening doors to new opportunities or knowledge, making them an important cultural symbol.
The Key to Her Success
Story
The Key to Her Success
Lena sat at her desk, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. She had always believed that success was about hard work and persistence, but recently, she had learned that understanding the key to solving a problem was more than just effort; it was about strategy. As she glanced at the email on her screen, she realized that the key to this new project was collaboration, not working alone. Her team was full of talented people, each with their own strengths, but it was only when they worked together that their collective efforts truly unlocked the door to success. Later that afternoon, Lena stood in front of a large wooden door with a shiny brass key in her hand. This key, given to her by her mentor, represented not only physical access to the new office space but also the metaphorical access to a future of possibilities. She smiled as she inserted the key into the lock, the sound of the tumblers falling into place echoing in the quiet hallway. This was the first step of many, and it was just the beginning. As she walked into the space, the sunlight streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the room. The door, once a barrier, now symbolized opportunity. Her fingers rested on the desk in front of her, where a piano lay. She couldn’t resist running her hands across the keys, the smooth ivory surface a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is the right note to make a difference. With the key to the office in her hand and the key to success now understood, Lena felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
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