key-note, n.
(ˈkiːnəʊt)
Also keynote.
1. a. Mus. The first, i.e. lowest, note of the scale of any key, which forms the basis of, and gives its name to, the key; the tonic. (Formerly called simply key: see key n.1 7 a.) In quot. 1776 applied to the lowest tone of an ancient Greek scale or ‘mode.’
| 1776 Burney Hist. Mus. I. v. 460 The key-note of the Dorian mode. 1782 Ibid. II. ii. 97 Transposed keys..represented by other sounds in the same relation to the key-note. 1859 Jephson Brittany iv. 41 They never leave off on the key-note; the ear is left unsatisfied. 1875 Ouseley Mus. Form ii. 11 A melodic perfect cadence must end with the key-note. |
b. transf. = key n.1 8 a. rare.
| 1762 Kames Elem. Crit. xviii. iv. (1774) II. 104 In reading, whether verse or prose, a certain tone is assumed, which may be called the key-note; and in that tone the bulk of the words are sounded. |
2. fig. a. The leading idea of a discourse, composition, or course of action; the prevailing tone of thought or feeling.
| 1783 Blair Rhet. II. xxxi. 166 Much of the Orator's art and ability is shown, in thus striking properly at the commencement, the key note, if we may so express it, of the rest of his Oration. 1825 Scott Diary 22 Dec. in Lockhart, I wrote a few verses..taking the key-note from the story of Clavers leaving the Scottish Convention of estates in 1688–9. 1862 J. Skelton Nugæ Crit. ix. 404 This moderation was the key-note of Canning's character. 1875 Stubbs Const. Hist. III. xviii. 14 The keynote of the Lancastrian policy. 1888 Burgon Lives 12 Gd. Men I. ii. 140 Such was the frequent keynote of his discourses in public. |
b. attrib., as keynote address or speech orig. U.S., a speech, usu. an opening address, designed to state the main concerns or to set the prevailing tone for a conference or the like; often used at political rallies merely to arouse enthusiasm or promote unity; so key-note speaker, one who gives a keynote speech.
| 1905 Milwaukee Jrnl. 28 July 8/1 His address tonight will undoubtedly be a keynote speech. c 1908 Great Issues & National Leaders of 1908 54 He..began his ‘keynote’ address. Ibid. 133 The ‘Keynote’ Speech of Democracy. 1948 Times 21 June 5 The first two days [of the Republican Convention] will be taken up with..the ‘keynote’ speech. To heighten suspense and increase the mystery, the ‘keynoter’ is Governor Green. 1957 Observer 13 Oct. 2/5 Mr. Eugene Black, president of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, will deliver the ‘keynote address’ to-morrow. 1967 Economist 23 Sept. 1072/2 Mr Thorpe decided to set the tone for the week with a short keynote speech. 1968 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 3 Feb. 3/6 A first-rate keynote speaker from the party. 1973 Observer 14 Jan. 44/3 Roy Jenkins, MP, will give the keynote speech. 1973 Black World Mar. 49 A number of speakers are scheduled for each panel following keynote addresses. |