What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incisive
Example
The incisive critique of the novel revealed the author's underlying themes. [incisive: adjective]
Example
She made an incisive comment that cut through the confusion and got to the core of the issue. [incisive: adjective]
keen
Example
He has a keen intellect and is able to solve complex problems quickly. [keen: adjective]
Example
She has a keen interest in art and spends hours at the museum. [keen: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Keen is more commonly used than incisive in everyday language. Keen is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while incisive is less common and refers to a specific type of quality.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incisive and keen?
Incisive is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, while keen is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.