Sapling Logo

“Key” or “Quay”

key / quay are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term.

Get Sapling See examples
Definitions

What each term means

Same sound, different spellings and meanings, shown with a pronunciation guide for each term.

key k·IY

  • nounmetal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated.
  • nounsomething crucial for explaining.
  • nounpitch of the voice.
  • nounany of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music.
  • nouna kilogram of a narcotic drug.
  • nounUnited States lawyer and poet who wrote a poem after witnessing the British attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812; the poem was later set to music and entitled `The Star-Spangled Banner' (1779-1843).
  • nouna coral reef off the southern coast of Florida.
  • noun(basketball) a space (including the foul line) in front of the basket at each end of a basketball court; usually painted a different color from the rest of the court.
  • nouna list of answers to a test.
  • nouna list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations.
  • nouna generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access.
  • nouna lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed.
  • verbprovide with a key.
  • verbvandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key.
  • verbregulate the musical pitch of.
  • verbharmonize with or adjust to.

quay k·IY

  • nounwharf usually built parallel to the shoreline.
Usage

Examples in context

Real sentences for each spelling. Hover an example to copy it.

“key”

  • The key distinguishing feature of an installer…
  • The Key to the City was also…
  • …in others, he becomes a key member of the Kyurangers, not…
  • …and that some of the key conclusions reached in the 2012…
  • …stream cipher is a symmetric key cipher where plaintext bits are…
  • Under cross examination, the key witnesses who alleged Dewani's involvement—Zola…
  • The electric guitar was a key instrument in the development of…
  • …invented and patented the mechanical key punch that was operated by…
  • …and business focused input on key areas of legislative and policy…
  • …testifying in the Mngeni trial, key witness Monde Mbolombo read out…

“quay”

  • …came to be called "Yayosu Quay" (Yaesu) after him — his…
  • …other houses along the Nyhavn quay feature similar signs.
  • …Street from the underground Queens Quay station at the street named…
  • …the Wrexham, Mold and Connah's Quay Railway, and the low level…
  • …the steamers began leaving Circular Quay, conveying 8,000 of an estimated…
  • …of gas available at Connah's Quay.
  • …the east of the Connah's Quay station.
  • …took the crowds from Circular Quay, although this time only four…
  • …the slums in the Weld Quay reclamation area, Noordin Street Flats,…
  • …became known as the Weld Quay Workers Union.

Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions are drawn from WordNet.

Too much to remember?

Looking for a tool that handles this for you wherever you write?

Install Sapling Try the grammar checker