keyed

[ keed ]

/ kid /

Save This Word!

adjective

fitted with keys.

fastened or secured by a key.

Music. pitched in a specific key.

reinforced by a keystone.

coordinated, as with a basic color or idea; harmonized (sometimes used in combination): color-keyed carpeting.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of keyed

First recorded in 1790–1800; key¹ + -ed³

un·keyed, adjective

A low-keyed but irresistibly engaging stylist, Royle casually mentions that one of his own novels was awarded the Literary Review’s Bad Sex in Fiction Award.
I love books about books. Here are seven of my current favorites.|Michael Dirda|September 29, 2021|Washington Post
Naps kept her in such a state of keyed-up uncertainty that she was never sure which version of him she would see.
Tallulah Bankhead: Gay, Drunk and Liberated in an Era of Excess Art|Judith Mackrell|January 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If they had video of the victim crying, they would have keyed in on that.
CNN Feels Sorry for Steubenville Rapists; World Can’t Believe its Ears|Winston Ross|March 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
As Jigs swerved through the Indian neighborhood near Pearl, he said he hadn't slept in days—too keyed up.
Inside the Bahrain Revolt|Karen Leigh|February 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST

He then said he wanted all the questions and replies to be keyed toward an improvement in the relationship between our countries.
Nikita Khrushchev, Talk Show Guest|Stephen Battaglio|November 20, 2010|DAILY BEAST
It was proven once more in last night's either dull or low-keyed presidential debate.
The Exceedingly Normal Debate|Stanley Crouch|October 8, 2008|DAILY BEAST
So it behooved them to find something absorbing to keep their attention keyed up to the proper pitch.
The Campfire Girls of Roselawn|Margaret Penrose
It was a warm June night, and every student in the Quarter was keyed to a high state of excitement.
The Real Latin Quarter|F. Berkeley Smith
It was the high-keyed wailing of this same man-child wanting his bottle, but it eluded Bud completely.
Cabin Fever|B. M. Bower
By this means he not only kept his senses keyed to a high point, but made his espionage nearer perfect than his friend had done.
Two Boys in Wyoming|Edward S. Ellis
He was wakened at dawn by the voice of Cap Pike, keyed high for an ultra display of profanity.
The Treasure Trail|Marah Ellis Ryan