Main Entry:

¹keen

Pronunciation:

\ˈkēn\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English kene brave, sharp, from Old English cēne brave; akin to Old High German kuoni brave

Date:

13th century

1 a: having a fine edge or point : sharp b: affecting one as if by cutting <keen sarcasm> c: pungent to the sense <a keen scent>2 a (1): showing a quick and ardent responsiveness : enthusiastic <a keen swimmer> (2): eager <was keen to begin> bof emotion or feeling : intense <the keen delight in the chase — F. W. Maitland>3 a: intellectually alert : having or characteristic of a quick penetrating mind <a keen student> <a keen awareness of the problem> ; also : shrewdly astute b: sharply contested <keen debate> c: extremely sensitive in perception <keen eyes>4: wonderful, excellent

synonyms see sharp, eager

— keen·ly adverb

— keen·ness \ˈkēn-nəs\ noun

— keen on

: very enthusiastic or excited about <wasn't keen on going>