I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷, in sense 1 sometimes ˈ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: key (I) + note
1. : the first and harmonically fundamental tone of a scale : tonic
2. : the fundamental or leading fact or idea : the prevailing tone
this simple statement may be taken as the … keynote of the whole system — C.H.Driver
sadness is the keynote of this little collection — Books Abroad
II. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ transitive verb
1. : to set a keynote in
the mood of compassion that keynotes most of her writing — Ann F. Wolfe
keynote the overall color scheme … with a romantic mural — New York Herald Tribune
2.
a. : to deliver the keynote address at
keynote a Midwest farm political rally — Wall Street Journal
b. : to declare in or as if in a keynote address
“we want peace …, ” the secretary keynoted — Newsweek