high key

¹ American  

noun

Movies.

1. a style of lighting that is bright, even, and produces little contrast between light and dark areas of the scene.

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high-key ² American  

[hahy-kee] / ˈhaɪˈki /

adjective

1. (of a photograph) having chiefly light tones, usually with little tonal contrast (low-key ).

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high-key British  

adjective

1. (of a photograph, painting, etc) having a predominance of light grey tones or light colours Compare low-key

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Usage

What else does high-key mean? In slang, high-key is the opposite of the more commonplace low-key, or "secretive" or "restrained." So something high-key is "intense" and "out in the open." It's often used as an adverb for "very," "really," or "clearly."

Etymology

Origin of high key¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Origin of high-key²

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

As the enterprise has taken on huge levels of debt to finance its rapid expansion, a Fitch Ratings subsidiary has warned of high “key man” risk, with the conglomerate so firmly connected to Mr. Adani.

From New York Times

One was my Jonathan’s, raised in a high key of passion; the other Mr. Morris’ strong resolute tone of quiet command.

From Literature

The caption: “High key more comfortable being myself on this app than in my hometown.”

From Washington Post

“I’m all for giving back, if that’s what you’re going to do. This … high key degrading though,” another Twitter user posted.

From Los Angeles Times

The finished film premiered Saturday, and the first responses are just as high key, particularly when it comes to Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as the Joker.

From Slate