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> b of 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>