high key

¹

noun

Movies.

1. a style of lighting that is bright, even, and produces little contrast between light and dark areas of the scene.

high-key

²

[hahy-kee]

adjective

1. (of a photograph) having chiefly light tones, usually with little tonal contrast (low-key ).

high-key

adjective

1. (of a photograph, painting, etc) having a predominance of light grey tones or light colours Compare low-key

Word History and Origins

Origin of high key¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Origin of high key²

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Since leaving Netflix, Liao has applied her high-key scheduling to a creative’s life.

From Los Angeles Times

Others show telltale signs of their eras: cars or attire from the 1940s or the high-key tones of 1950s color photography.

From Seattle Times

Nichols’ performance is cool, methodical, unflappable — and in distinct contrast to Gouran’s wily, high-key energy.

From Seattle Times

There’s the laugh track and the high-key lighting.

From Washington Post

For that matter … how is a sex-reveal party, low-key or high-key, a way to celebrate your child?

From Slate

When To Use

What else does high-key mean?

In slang, high-key is the opposite of the more commonplace low-key, or "secretive" or "restrained." So something high-key is "intense" and "out in the open." It's often used as an adverb for "very," "really," or "clearly."