Word: Keen

Pronunciation

/kiːn/

Definitions

• Adjective: (adj) Having or showing a strong desire or interest; enthusiastic or eager. For example: “She has a keen interest in astronomy.”

  • Also, having a sharpness or acuteness, especially in perception or intellect. For instance: “A keen observer can spot the differences easily.”

• Noun: (n) A strong desire or enthusiasm; eagerness. Example: “There’s a keen sense of competition among the team members.”

  • In some dialects, it also refers to a lamentation or funeral song, although this usage is less common.

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “He has a keen eye for detail and often spots errors others miss.”
• Noun: “Her keen for adventure led her to travel the world alone.”

Phrases

• “Keen on something”: To be very interested or enthusiastic about something. Example: “She’s always been keen on trying new sports.”
• “To have a keen sense of something”: To possess a heightened awareness or sensitivity towards something. Example: “The detective had a keen sense of justice.”

Synonyms

• Adjective: Enthusiastic, avid, passionate, ardent, zealous, fervent
• Noun: Interest, passion, enthusiasm, appetite, yearning