Keen

/kiːn/ · adjective

Meaning

(chiefly Commonwealth) Often with a prepositional phrase, or with to and an infinitive: showing a quick and ardent responsiveness or willingness; eager, enthusiastic, interested..

Definitions by Sense

1. (chiefly Commonwealth) Often with a prepositional phrase, or with to and an infinitive: showing a quick and ardent responsiveness or willingness; eager, enthusiastic, interested.
2. Fierce, intense, vehement.
3. Having a fine edge or point; sharp.
4. Acute of mind, having or expressing mental acuteness; penetrating, sharp.
5. Acrimonious, bitter, piercing.
6. Of cold, wind, etc.: cutting, penetrating, piercing, sharp.
7. (British) Of prices, extremely low as to be competitive.
8. (US, informal, dated) Marvelous.

Example Sentences

I’m keen on computers.

I’m keen on you.

She’s keen to learn another language.

“Do you want to go on holiday with me?” “Yes, I’m keen.”

In fact, she doesn't mention the fact that I've obviously been avoiding her, just sounds genuinely thrilled to hear from me, and as soon as I mention getting together she suggests Monday, which is rather keen, even for Portia.

Ophe[lia] You are keene my Lord, you are keene. / Ham[let] It would coſt you a groaning, to take off my edge.

This boy has a keen appetite.

[N]euer did I know / A creature that did beare the ſhape of man / So keene and greedy to confound a man.

Synonyms for keen

Antonyms for keen

Related Words

Word Forms

• keener
• more keen
• keenest
• most keen
• keene
• kene
• keens
• keening
• keened

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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