# high-key

Pronunciation: say "HY-kee" US /ˈhaɪˌki/, UK /ˈhaɪˌkiː/

## Adverb

1. In an open, obvious way that makes no effort to hide what you feel or want. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: In a way that is open and easy to see, not hidden.
   - _He's high-key nervous about the interview, and you can tell._
   - _They were high-key competing for the manager's attention all week._

## Adjective

2. Marked by predominantly bright, light tones and an absence of dark shadow.
   - Simple: Showing mostly bright, light tones with very few dark shadows.
   - _The portrait's high-key lighting gives it a soft, airy feel._
   - _Fashion shoots often use a high-key setup to flatten harsh shadows._

## Origin

A compound formed from "high" and "key."

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/high-key (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).