Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

high-key

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: 5.03 in modern English

Syllables: high--key
IPA

21

Scrabble Score

7

Letters

3

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Characterized by light tones and the absence of a shadow.

adv

In a conspicuous way.

Colloquial

adv

Used as an intensifier; really.

Canadian usage; American usage; Colloquial

Example Sentences

"Details are tremendously important in composing an outstanding high-key photograph."
"(except in meiosis)"
"I'm highkey pissed at you right now."
"High key no longer wanna tell anyone anything that’s going on with me."

Etymology

From high + key.

Usage

Inflected Forms

more high-key (comparative) most high-key (superlative) highkey (alternative) high key (alternative) highk (alternative)

Frequently Paired Words

low-key mid-key

Antonyms

low-key

Questions

What does high-key mean?: Characterized by light tones and the absence of a shadow.
Where does high-key come from?: From high + key.

How to pronounce high-key

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “high-key”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “high-key”.
Repeat and practice — Say “high-key” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.