The principal theme in a speech or literary work.

Roget 22: prototype, original, model, pattern, precedent, standard, ideal, reference, scantling, type; archetype, antitype^†; protoplast, module, exemplar, example, ensample^†, paradigm; lay-figure.    text, copy, design; fugleman^†, keynote.    die, mold; matrix, last, plasm^†; proplasm^†, protoplasm; mint; seal, punch, intaglio, negative; stamp.    ... show more

Roget 136: frequency, oftness^†, oftenness^†, commonness; repetition etc. 104; normality etc. 80; example (conformity) 82; routine, custom (habit) 613.    regularity, uniformity, constancy, clock-work precision; punctuality etc. (exactness) 494; even tenor; system; routine etc. (custom) 613; formula; rule etc. (form regulation) 697; keynote, standard, model; precedent etc. (prototype) 22; conformity etc. 82.    ... show more

Roget 642: importance, consequence, moment, prominence, consideration, mark, materialness.    import, significance, concern; emphasis, interest.    greatness etc. 31; superiority etc. 33; notability etc. (repute) 873; weight etc. (influence) 175; value etc. (goodness) 648; usefulness etc. 644.    gravity, seriousness, solemnity; no joke, no laughing matter; pressure, urgency, stress; matter of life and death.    memorabilia, notabilia^†, great doings; red-letter day.    great thing, great point; main chance, the be all and the end all" [Macbeth]; cardinal point; substance, gist etc. (essence) 5; sum and substance, gravamen, head and front; important part, principal part, prominent part, essential part; half the battle; sine qua non; breath of one's nostrils etc. (life) 359; cream, salt, core, kernel, heart, nucleus; keynote, keystone; corner stone; trump card etc. (device) 626; salient points.    top sawyer, first fiddle, prima donna [Sp.], chief; triton among the minnows; 'it' [U.S.].   " ... show more

A fundamental or central idea.

music The first note of a diatonic scale.

synonym: tonic.

Polish: tonika

Set the keynote of.

Give the keynote address to (an audience).