A central theme or idea that sets the tone for a speech, conference, or event.
The keynote of the conference was innovation in technology.
A speech or address that presents the main issues of interest to an audience and often sets the underlying tone and summarizes the core message of an event.
The CEO delivered the keynote at the annual business summit.
The note or tone on which a musical key is based; the tonic.
The symphony began with a powerful keynote that resonated throughout the hall.
keynoteadjective
Serving to establish or reflect the prevailing tone or central theme; principal or leading (used attributively).
The conference opened with a keynote address by the minister.
keynoteverb
To deliver the main speech at a conference or event.
She was invited to keynote the annual tech conference.
To give emphasis or prominence to; to establish the underlying theme of something.
His opening remarks keynoted the seminar’s focus on sustainability.