key — a small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock
Pronunciation (IPA): /kiː/
Example Sentences
- My mom hides the spare key under a fake rock that looks more suspicious than a real safe.
- The key to a successful diet is to exercise regularly and eat healthy food.
- I always forget where I put my keys, but I never forget where I put my phone... which has a key finder app.
key
NOUN[/kiː/]
a small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock
Metal key unlocks the door
The key from the tree sets me free!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'key' derives from Old English 'cǣg', originally denoting a physical instrument for opening locks. Over time, the term underwent semantic expansion to encompass abstract meanings such as 'solution' and 'essential element', reflecting the metaphorical extension from concrete object to conceptual importance.
Breakdown
Old English 'cǣg' (lock-opener) evolved into Middle English and Modern English 'key'. The morphological development shows phonetic simplification from the diphthong 'cǣ' to the modern 'key', with the root maintaining its fundamental meaning of access or unlocking across both literal and figurative contexts.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom hides the spare key under a fake rock that looks more suspicious than a real safe.”
“The key to a successful diet is to exercise regularly and eat healthy food.”
“I always forget where I put my keys, but I never forget where I put my phone... which has a key finder app.”
“Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.”
“Please key in your student ID number to access the online exam.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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