What does "ki" mean?
A term indicating intrinsic energy; usually associated with martial art – karate, judo, aikido, etc. – practitioners who consider ki important to performing at the highest level.
Ki
/kiː/ name, noun, slang
name, noun, slang ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A term indicating intrinsic energy; usually associated with martial art – karate, judo, aikido, etc. – practitioners who consider ki important to performing at the highest level.
- Grammar: ki is listed as name, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: baal, ch'i, chi, complementizer.
- Useful contrasts: and, but.
- Usage evidence: “It is still very dangerous right now,” said Ki, especially in enclosed public spaces like offices, churches, hospitals, coin karaoke rooms, or computer gaming centers.
How to use "ki"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "ki" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "ki" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "ki" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "ki" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "ki" is acting as name, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "baal" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "ki", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A term indicating intrinsic energy; usually associated with martial art – karate, judo, aikido, etc. – practitioners who consider ki important to performing at the highest level.
- 2 A plant native to the Pacific islands and China (Cordyline fruticosa); ti. countable, uncountable
- 3 Alternative form of key (a kilogram) alt-of, alternative
"And that's what I think happened to Joe. Someone who worked for him walked in and asked to buy a ki of heroin and he went, 'I don't do that.' Then a bit later someone else walked in and offered to sell him some a ta stupid price and he went, 'Hang about, I've got a buyer for that.'"
- 4 Alternative form of kye (“cocoa”). UK, alt-of, alternative, slang, uncountable
"At sea a special cauldron of 'ki,' prepared by the ship's cook, is sent round action stations in 'fannies' or large pitchers."
- 5 Alternative form of chi. alt-of, alternative, uncountable
"If you are calm and relaxed it will be easier for you to accept and use his ki, helping him to reach his goal. In other words, you will redirect his ki or enhance it with your own to bring your attacker down in the direction he was directing his ki."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 the circulating life energy that in Chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things; in traditional Chinese medicine the balance of negative and positive forms in the body is believed to be essential for good health wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 Abbreviation of East Kalimantan: a province of Indonesia. abbreviation, alt-of
- 2 In Sumerian mythology, the earth goddess and chief consort of the sky god, Anu.
- 3 Synonym of Amto (“a Papuan language”).
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"“It is still very dangerous right now,” said Ki, especially in enclosed public spaces like offices, churches, hospitals, coin karaoke rooms, or computer gaming centers."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "ki"?
Common synonyms include: baal, ch'i, chi, complementizer, moloch, qi.
How do you use "ki" in a sentence?
“It is still very dangerous right now,” said Ki, especially in enclosed public spaces like offices, churches, hospitals, coin karaoke rooms, or computer gaming centers.
How do you pronounce "ki"?
Pronounced /kiː/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From 氣, 気.
Etymology 2
Borrowed from Hawaiian ki.
Etymology 3
From dated romanizations of Mandarin 氣 /气 (qì) without the k-q merger, or from Japanese 気 (ki), both ultimately from the same Middle Chinese origin.