Pronunciation: /kiz/

Definitions of keys

noun a small metal instrument specially cut to fit into a lock and move its bolt

Example Sentences

A1 I always keep my keys in my pocket.

A2 She lost her keys and had to get a spare set made.

B1 The keys to success are hard work and determination.

B2 He handed me the keys to his car and told me to take it for a spin.

C1 The encryption keys are stored in a secure location to prevent unauthorized access.

C2 The keys to understanding complex theories often lie in simplifying them into smaller concepts.

verb None

Example Sentences

A1 She keys the door to unlock it.

A2 He keys in the code to access the safe.

B1 They keys the car before starting the engine.

B2 The manager keys the security system before leaving the office.

C1 The technician keys the encryption key to secure the data.

C2 The hacker keys the password to gain unauthorized access to the network.

adjective None

Example Sentences

A1 I have a set of keys to my house.

A2 She always carries her keys in her purse.

B1 The keys to success in this project are communication and teamwork.

B2 The keys to understanding this complex topic are thorough research and critical thinking.

C1 The keys to effective leadership include vision, empathy, and decisiveness.

C2 The keys to maintaining a healthy work-life balance are boundaries and self-care.

adverb None

Example Sentences

A1 She keys typed a message on her phone.

A2 He keys in the code to unlock the door.

B1 The musician keys into the rhythm of the song.

B2 The detective keys in on the suspect's alibi.

C1 The CEO keys into the latest market trends to make strategic decisions.

C2 The expert keys in on the subtle details that others may overlook.

pronoun None

Example Sentences

A1 She lost her keys and couldn't get into her house.

A2 The keys are on the table next to the door.

B1 I always keep my keys in my purse so I don't lose them.

B2 The keys to success are hard work and dedication.

C1 He handed over the keys to the new owner of the house.

C2 The keys to understanding the complex problem lie in thorough research and analysis.

preposition None

Example Sentences

A1 The keys to the house are on the table.

A2 She couldn't find the keys to her car.

B1 He handed over the keys to the safe.

B2 The keys to success in this industry are hard work and networking.

C1 The keys to understanding this complex theory lie in studying its origins.

C2 She held the keys to the kingdom, with power and influence at her fingertips.

conjunction None

Example Sentences

A1 I have the keys to my car.

A2 She couldn't find her keys, so she was locked out of the house.

B1 Keys can be used as a conjunction to connect two ideas in a sentence.

B2 The keys to success in this project are teamwork and communication.

C1 Understanding the keys to effective leadership is essential for managing a team.

C2 The keys to a healthy relationship include trust, communication, and mutual respect.

interjection None

Example Sentences

A1 Keys! I found the keys to the car.

A2 Keys! Don't forget your keys before leaving the house.

B1 Keys! Where did I put my keys again?

B2 Keys! The keys to success are hard work and determination.

C1 Keys! The keys to effective communication include listening and empathy.

C2 Keys! The keys to a happy life are gratitude and kindness.

article None

Example Sentences

A1 I have the keys to my house in my pocket.

A2 She always misplaces her car keys.

B1 The keys to success include hard work and determination.

B2 He couldn't find the keys to unlock the mystery.

C1 The keys to effective communication lie in active listening and empathy.

C2 The keys to a happy life are different for each individual.

Examples of keys in a Sentence

formal The keys to the office are kept in a secure location.

informal I always carry my keys with me wherever I go.

slang I can't find my keys anywhere, they're probably hiding from me.

figurative Education is often seen as the key to success in life.

Grammatical Forms of keys

past tense

keyed

plural

keys

comparative

more key

superlative

most key

present tense

keys

future tense

will key

perfect tense

have keyed

continuous tense

is keying

singular

key

positive degree

key

infinitive

to key

gerund

keying

participle

keyed

Origin and Evolution of keys

First Known Use: 1200 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'keys' originated from the Old English word 'cǣg' which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'kaigaz'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'keys' evolved to refer to devices used to lock and unlock doors or other mechanisms, as well as to refer to the set of buttons on a musical instrument or a set of levers on a typewriter or computer keyboard.