keen Definition
- 1having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm
- 2having a sharp edge; intellectually sharp or penetrating
- 3having a strong or urgent desire or interest
Using keen: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "keen" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She was keen to start her new job.
Example
He has a keen interest in music.
Example
The knife has a keen edge.
Example
She has a keen mind and is very analytical.
Example
I am keen to learn more about this topic.
keen Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for keen
Idioms Using keen
Example
She was keen as mustard to start her new job.
to notice something that others might miss
Example
He made a keen observation about the painting that no one else had noticed.
Example
Her wit was as keen as a razor.
Phrases with keen
Example
She's always been keen on sports.
Example
As a detective, he had a keen eye for detail.
Example
Dogs have a keen sense of smell and are often used to detect drugs or explosives.
Origins of keen
from Old English 'cene', meaning 'bold, brave'
Summary: keen in Brief
The term 'keen' [kiːn] describes eagerness, enthusiasm, and interest. It can also refer to sharpness, both physical and intellectual. Examples include 'She was keen to start her new job,' and 'The knife has a keen edge.' 'Keen' extends into phrases like 'keen on,' and idioms like 'keen as mustard,' denoting high levels of enthusiasm, and 'make a keen observation,' implying a sharp eye for detail.