high-key

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word high-key. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word high-key, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say high-key in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word high-key you have here. The definition of the word high-key will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofhigh-key, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

A high-key photograph of a paper roll.

Alternative forms

Etymology

From high +‎ key.

Pronunciation

  • Audio (US):(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