What does the word keynote mean?

Answer 1

It actually can stand alone as a noun denoting the principal tone of a song or the main theme of an oration. However, in common use the word fills a descriptive gerund position within a sentence.

Answer 2

A keynote is a speech or talk that establishes the main theme or underlying message of an event, conference, or meeting. It is usually delivered by a prominent speaker to set the tone for the rest of the gathering.

Answer 3

Keynote means the note on which the key is based, in music.