Words / C1

KEEN-oht/ˈkiːnəʊt/

A keynote is the central idea of a talk or conference, or the main speech that sets it: a keynote address, the keynote of the campaign. Theme and main point are everyday; key (already in the dictionary) is the everyday adjective “crucial”. Do not let a keynote replace the fire certificate.

Meaning

The central idea of a speech or event; a keynote speech sets that tone.

Examples

• “A keynote on “excellence” does not staff the fire door.”
• “Theme is everyday. A keynote speaker is billed as the centrepiece. Keyword is a search term. The key point in a paper is still a sentence with an n, not a stage.”

Good to know

The main theme (or that speech). Everyday: theme / main point. Mix-up: key (crucial). A speech is not a safety certificate.

Near in meaning

theme

New