Standard Lemma guide

high-key

adj · adv · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

adj

Meaning 1

Characterized by light tones and the absence of a shadow.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: art, arts, hobbies, lifestyle, photography

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adv

Meaning 2

In a conspicuous way.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: colloquial, uncommon

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adv

Meaning 3

Used as an intensifier; really.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Canada, US, colloquial

Examples

  • (except in meiosis)
  • I'm highkey pissed at you right now.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: low-key

History

Etymology

From high + key.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: yläsävyinen — characterized by light tones and the absence of a shadow