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Glite Dictionary
⌨️ To type in ⌨️ A typing entry
to key in

to key in

3 3.4
To type information into a computer or device using a keyboard
  • phrasal verb
  • /kiː ɪn/
translation icon : introducir
  • Her gaze shifted from the phone to another monitor as she keyed in the query.

Examples

  • The technician keyed in the error codes to diagnose the computer issue.

  • I keyed in the codes.

    Eyeborgs (2009)

  • There's nothing on the wire so I'm gonna key it in right off the police radio.

    Pontypool (2009)

  • "Emergence in five," he said, and keyed in the final sequence.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • AJ flipped open the lid over the cipher lock and keyed in the combination that unlocked the door.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • He quickly keyed in the username and password to access his account.

  • After the software update, she keyed in the new settings to configure the device.

Synonyms

to type
vsto key in
367 1.0

To write words using a keyboard on a computer or typewriter

is about supplying information into a computer device with those presses
to enter
vsto key in
267 1.4

To put information into a form or computer

specifies doing this by pressing buttons on a device
to input
vsto key in
  • Specialized
23 3.5

To enter data into a computer for processing

refers specifically to supplying data by pressing buttons on a device
to typewrite
vsto key in
  • Archaic
1 7.3

To write by pressing keys on a typewriter or keyboard

focuses on putting information into a computer device rather than the machine type
to keyboard
vsto key in
3.5

To type text into a computer or device using a set of keys

is specifically about putting information into a computer or device
to key down
vsto key in
5.5

To type notes or information on a computer keyboard

focuses on using button presses to put information into a device
to keypunch
vsto key in
  • Archaic
8.2

To type data on a keyboard or on a machine that makes holes in cards

is broader, applying to modern computer devices rather than punched card machines

Antonyms

to erase
144 1.6

Remove marks, writing, or digital files so they are no longer visible

How Automated

to import
  • Specialized
21 3.7
to paste
58 2.9
to key in
3 3.4
to jot down
  • Informal
27 2.9

Surface Forms

key in infinitive
keyed in past
keyed in past participle
keying in present participle
keys in third person singular

Morphology

key + in

The sense 'an act of entering data by typing' is directly derivable from combining 'key' (the pressable lever/keys on a keyboard, extended to the action of pressing them) with 'in' (into a system). The motion/placement sense of 'in' plus the obvious association of 'key' with keyboard actions makes the meaning transparent and easily inferable to a B1 learner who knows the constituents.

Etymology

The phrasal verb key in comes from the simple image of pressing a key to push information in to a machine. So when you press keys to put letters or numbers into a computer, you 'key in' them, and that is why it means 'to enter information'.