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Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th
key
key [key keys keyed keying] noun, verb, adjective BrE [kiː] NAmE [kiː]
noun 
TOOL FOR LOCK
1. a specially shaped piece of metal used for locking a door, starting a car, etc
•to insert/turn the key in the lock
•the car keys
•a bunch of keys
•the spare key to the front door
• We'll have a duplicate key cut (= made).
• There's a special key for winding up this clock.
MOST IMPORTANT THING
2. usually singular a thing that makes you able to understand or achieve sth
Syn: ↑secret
•~ (to sth) The key to success is preparation.
•~ (to doing sth) The driver of the car probably holds the key to solving the crime.
• (especially NAmE)The key is, how long can the federal government control the inflation rate?
ON COMPUTER
3. any of the buttons that you press to operate a computer or ↑typewriter
• Press the return key to enter the information.
ON MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
4. any of the wooden or metal parts that you press to play a piano and some other musical instruments
MUSIC
5. a set of related notes, based on a particular note. Pieces of music are usually written mainly using a particular key
•a sonata in the key of E flat major
• This piece changes key many times.
compare ↑scale n. (7)
ANSWERS
6. a set of answers to exercises or problems
• Check your answers in the key at the back of the book.
ON MAP
7. an explanation of the symbols used on a map or plan
see also ↑low-key, see under lock and key at ↑lock n.
Word Origin:
Old English cǣg, cǣge, of unknown origin.
Thesaurus:
key noun
1. C, usually sing.
•The key to success is preparation.
answer • • solution •
the key/answer/solution to sth
look for/find/provide/offer the key/an answer/a solution
2. C
•Press the return key.
button • • switch • • control •
a key/button/switch on sth
a control key/button/switch
press/hit a key/button/switch
Example Bank:
•Can we try it in a lower key?
•F1 is the short-cut key for calling up help.
•First-time voters could hold the key to the election result.
•He fished a ring of keys out of his pocket.
•Hold down the Alt key while pressing the arrow keys.
•I slid the key into the lock and went in.
•I'd accidentally locked the keys in my car.
•I'll get another key cut so that you can have one.
•Language is the key to understanding those around you.
•Robbie didn't have a key for these doors.
•She hides a front door key in a flowerpot.
•She left a key with the neighbours/neighbors.
•She must have used a key to get in.
•The key changes from C major to A minor.
•The key tells you what all the symbols mean.
•The piece changes key in the middle.
•The sound of keys jangling caught her attention.
•There are two sharps in the key signature of D major.
•They heard a key turn in the back door lock.
•What key is it in?
•You can find the symbols in the key at the bottom of the page.
•You have to close it with the key.
•You need a key to open the garage.
•a large bunch of keys
•a set of car keys
•the key of G major
•the key to the front door
•the key to the signs and symbols
•the top row of keys
•His hands flew over the piano keys and beautiful sounds filled the theatre.
•The key is, how long can the federal government control the inflation rate?
•The sonata was written in the key of E flat major.
Derived: ↑key somebody to something
verb
1. ~ sth (in) | ~ sth (into sth) to put information into a computer using a keyboard
Syn: ↑enter
•Key (in) your password.
2. to deliberately damage a car by scratching it with a key
Verb forms: 
Word Origin:
Old English cǣg, cǣge, of unknown origin.
adjective usually before noun
most important; essential
Syn: ↑critical, Syn: ↑vital
•the key issue/factor/point
• He was a key figure in the campaign.
• She played a key role in the dispute.
•‘Caution’ is the key word in this situation.
•Good communication is key to our success.
•His contribution could be key.
Word Origin:
Old English cǣg, cǣge, of unknown origin.
Thesaurus:
key adj. usually before noun
•The key issue is taxation.
main • • major • • essential • • central • • principal • • prime • • primary • • chief • • predominant • |informal number one •
Opp: secondary
be key/essential/central to sth
the key/main/major/essential/central/principal/prime/primary/chief/predominant purpose/source/factor
the key/main/major/essential/central/principal/prime/primary/chief aim/function/objective/task/consideration
Synonyms:
main
major • key • central • principal • chief • prime
These words all describe sb/sth 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.
Major is most often used after a with a singular noun, or no article with a plural noun. When it is used with the or my/your/his/her/our/their it means ‘the largest or most important’: ▪ Our major concern here is combatting 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 sb 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 sth is central to sth 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 sb 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.
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
Example Bank:
•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.
•The key issue here is taxation.
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