high-key
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
In a conspicuous way.
Register: colloquial
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Used as an intensifier; really.
Register: colloquial
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “high-key” mean?
In a conspicuous way.
Is “high-key” formal or informal?
high-key is generally colloquial.