high-key

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English

A high-key photograph of a paper roll.

Etymology

high +‎ key

Pronunciation

  • (file)

Adjective

high-key (comparative more high-key, superlative most high-key)

  1. (art, photography) Characterised by light tones and absence of shadow.
    • 1942 November, Victor Keppler, “Key to Good Pictures”, in Popular Photography, →ISSN, page 29:
      Details are tremendously important in composing an outstanding high-key photograph.

Adverb

high-key (comparative more high-key, superlative most high-key)

  1. (colloquial) In a conspicuous way.
    • 2022 January 31, BIG XO (@Raveyxoxo_), Twitter:
      High key no longer wanna tell anyone anything that’s going on with me.

Antonyms

Coordinate terms

Further reading