Keys: meaning, definitions and examples

Generally used in everyday language to refer to a set of metal instruments used for opening locks, either for buildings or vehicles.

• I lost my keys
• Do you have the keys to the car?

Refers to any tool or device used specifically to open locks, including professional locksmith tools.

• He used a lock opener to break into the house
• The locksmith had a special lock opener

Typically used in situations involving electronic or automated entry systems, referring to a code or card that grants access.

• You need a passkey to enter the building
• The hotel issued a passkey for room access

Mostly used to describe an automated device that opens doors, often found in commercial settings or garages.

• The garage door opener isn't working
• We need to get the door opener fixed

Used in the context of access or unlocking something, such as doors or vehicles. In computer science, 'keys' can refer to unique identifiers in databases.

• I can't find my car keys.
• The primary key in this database identifies each record uniquely.

Often used in situations involving ordered lists or sequences, particularly in programming, databases, and books. It can refer to both a numerical position and a list of keywords or terms.

• Please refer to the index at the back of the book.
• The index of an array starts at zero in most programming languages.

Typically used in technical contexts to specify a unique name or number for something, like in programming or databases.

• Each user has a unique identifier in the system.
• The identifier helps in retrieving the correct data from the database.

Commonly used in Internet and hypertext contexts to refer to a connection from one point to another. Can also mean a physical or logical connection between two elements.

• Click on the link to visit our website.
• There's a missing link in the chain.

Often used in the context of physical objects that lock and unlock doors or items, as well as in the context of music, referring to the notes on a piano or keyboard.

• I can't find my keys anywhere; I might have left them at the office.
• Practice playing the keys to improve your piano skills.

This is a term used in music to describe the character of a piece, particularly in relation to the key it is composed in. It is less commonly used outside of musical contexts.

• The song's tonality shifts from major to minor, creating a dramatic effect.
• Understanding tonality is crucial for composing harmonious music.

This is primarily used in music to refer to how high or low a note sounds. It can also be used in a business context to refer to a presentation or proposal.

• The singer's pitch was perfect throughout the entire performance.
• She made a pitch to potential investors about her new startup.

In music, it refers to a series of notes ordered by pitch. Outside of music, it can refer to the size or level of something, often in a scientific or economic context.

• Practice the C major scale every day to improve your finger strength.
• The project will require scaling up our operations significantly.