'Keynote' definitions:
Definition of 'keynote'
From: WordNet
noun
The principal theme in a speech or literary work
noun
A fundamental or central idea
noun
(music) the first note of a diatonic scale [syn: tonic, keynote]
verb
Set the keynote of; "Comfort keynotes this designer's Fall collection"
verb
Give the keynote address to (an audience)
Definition of 'Keynote'
From: GCIDE
- Keynote \Key"note`\, n.
- 1. (Mus.) The tonic or first tone of the scale in which a piece or passage is written; the fundamental tone of the chord, to which all the modulations of the piece are referred; -- called also key tone. [1913 Webster]
- 2. The fundamental fact or idea; that which gives the key; as, the keynote of a policy or a sermon. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'keynote'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- aroma,
- attribute,
- badge,
- banner,
- be characteristic,
- brand,
- cachet,
- cast,
- character,
- characteristic,
- characterize,
- configuration,
- cut,
- define,
- demarcate,
- describe,
- device,
- differentia,
- differential,
- differentiate,
- distinctive feature,
- distinguish,
- dominant,
- earmark,
- feature,
- figure,
- flavor,
- gust,
- hallmark,
- idiocrasy,
- idiosyncrasy,
- image,
- impress,
- impression,
- index,
- indicant,
- indicator,
- individualism,
- insignia,
- key,
- key signature,
- lineaments,
- major,
- major key,
- mannerism,
- mark,
- mark off,
- mark out,
- marking,
- measure,
- mediant,
- minor,
- mold,
- nature,
- note,
- odor,
- particularity,
- peculiarity,
- pedal point,
- picture,
- property,
- quality,
- quirk,
- representation,
- representative,
- savor,
- seal,
- set apart,
- set the pace,
- set the tone,
- shape,
- sigil,
- sign,
- signal,
- signature,
- singularity,
- smack,
- sound the keynote,
- specialty,
- stamp,
- subdominant,
- submediant,
- subtonic,
- supertonic,
- sure sign,
- symptom,
- taint,
- tang,
- taste,
- telltale sign,
- token,
- tonality,
- tonic,
- tonic key,
- trait,
- trick