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Definition of key adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

key

adjective
 OPAL WOPAL S
 
/kiː/
 
/kiː/
[usually before noun]
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  1. most important; essential synonym critical, vital
    • the key issue/factor/point
    • a key element/component/part/feature
    • He was a key figure in the campaign.
    • Both are key players in the peace process.
    • She played a key role in the dispute.
    • ‘Caution’ is the key word in this situation.
    • His contribution could be key.
    • key to something Good communication is key to our success.
    • key to doing something Better training for our staff has been key to improving the service.
    Homophones key | quaykey   quay
     
    /kiː/
     
    /kiː/
    • key noun
      • She quietly turned the key in the lock.
    • key adjective
      • Fresh eggs are a key ingredient for a tasty cake.
    • key verb
      • Customers have to key their PIN for amounts over £100.
    • quay noun
      • The constant coming and going of ferries makes the quay a bustling place.
    Synonyms mainmainmajor ▪ key ▪ central ▪ principal ▪ chief ▪ primeThese words all describe somebody/​something that is the largest or most important of its kind.main [only before noun] largest or most important:
    • Be careful crossing the main road.
    • The main thing is to remain calm.
    major [usually before noun] very large or important:
    • He played a major role in setting up the system.
    When major is used with the or my/​your/​his/​her/​our/​their it means ‘the largest or most important’: Our major concern here is combating poverty. In this meaning it is only used to talk about ideas or worries that people have, not physical things, and it is also more formal than main: Be careful crossing the major road. • The major thing is to remain calm.     key [usually before noun] most important; essential:
    • He was a key figure in the campaign.
    Key is used most frequently in business and political contexts. It can be used to talk about ideas, or the part that somebody plays in a situation, but not physical things. It is slightly more informal than major, especially when used after a noun and linking verb: Speed is key at this point.     central (rather formal) most important:
    • The central issue is that of widespread racism.
    Central is used in a similar way to key, but is more formal. It is most frequently used in the phrase something is central to something else.     principal [only before noun] (rather formal) most important:
    • The principal reason for this omission is lack of time.
    Principal is mostly used for statements of fact about which there can be no argument. To state an opinion, or to try to persuade somebody of the facts as you see them, it is more usual to use key or central: The key/​central issue here is…     chief [only before noun] (rather formal) most important:
    • Unemployment was the chief cause of poverty.
    prime [only before noun] (rather formal) most important; to be considered first:
    • My prime concern is to protect my property.
    Patterns
    • a/​the main/​major/​key/​central/​principal/​chief/​prime aim/​concern
    • a/​the main/​major/​principal road/​town/​city
    • the main/​key thing is to…
    • to be of major/​key/​central/​prime importance
    Extra Examples
    • The key issue here is taxation.
    • Attitude is a key concept in social psychology.
    • Our commitment to high-quality standards is key to maintaining our reputation.
    • Speed is key at this point.
    Word OriginOld English cǣg, cǣge, of unknown origin.
See key in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee key in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
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