Key to

prepositional phrase

The most important part or thing needed to achieve something.

Hard work is the key to success.
Visual representation of "key to" - The most important part or thing needed to achieve something

Often appears as...

  • key to success
  • key to happiness
prepositional phrase

Explanation or solution for understanding something.

The textbook provides the key to understanding this physics concept.
Visual representation of "key to" - Explanation or solution for understanding something

Often appears as...

  • key to understanding
  • key to solving

Usage tips

Academic

prepositional phrase

The thing that allows access or entry to something.

The password is the key to access your computer.
Visual representation of "key to" - The thing that allows access or entry to something

Often appears as...

  • key to access
  • key to entry

Usage tips

Technical

prepositional phrase

The most important part or thing needed to achieve something.

Hard work is the key to success.
Visual representation of "key to" - The most important part or thing needed to achieve something

Often appears as...

  • key to success
  • key to happiness
prepositional phrase

Explanation or solution for understanding something.

The textbook provides the key to understanding this physics concept.
Visual representation of "key to" - Explanation or solution for understanding something

Often appears as...

  • key to understanding
  • key to solving

Usage tips

Academic

prepositional phrase

The thing that allows access or entry to something.

The password is the key to access your computer.
Visual representation of "key to" - The thing that allows access or entry to something

Often appears as...

  • key to access
  • key to entry

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "key to"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Goal Oriented

Used when highlighting the main factor that leads to a desired outcome or goal.

Illustration for Goal Oriented
Networking is the key to building a successful career.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Use

'Key to' is often used metaphorically rather than literally.

Illustration for Figurative Use
Trust is the key to a strong friendship.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Personalized Factor

What is 'key to' something can vary depending on the person or situation.

Illustration for Personalized Factor
For some, a flexible schedule is the key to work-life balance.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Goal Oriented

Used when highlighting the main factor that leads to a desired outcome or goal.

Illustration for Goal Oriented
Networking is the key to building a successful career.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Use

'Key to' is often used metaphorically rather than literally.

Illustration for Figurative Use
Trust is the key to a strong friendship.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Personalized Factor

What is 'key to' something can vary depending on the person or situation.

Illustration for Personalized Factor
For some, a flexible schedule is the key to work-life balance.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Goal Oriented

Used when highlighting the main factor that leads to a desired outcome or goal.

Illustration for Goal Oriented
Networking is the key to building a successful career.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Use

'Key to' is often used metaphorically rather than literally.

Illustration for Figurative Use
Trust is the key to a strong friendship.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Personalized Factor

What is 'key to' something can vary depending on the person or situation.

Illustration for Personalized Factor
For some, a flexible schedule is the key to work-life balance.
Visual representation of the word "Key to"

Never forget "Key to"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top