1
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
pilots with especially keen eyesight
2
as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin
the keen wind gave me chapped lips
3
as in sharpened
having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something
lanced the boil with a keen scalpel
4
as in quick
having or showing quickness of mind
readers who were keen enough to realize that the writer was being satirical
5
as in excellent
of the very best kind
that new digital camera sure is keen
6
as in excited
showing urgent desire or interest
a keen hunger for fame and fortune in the fashion industry
7
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
movies gave him keen enjoyment like nothing else
as in wail
a crying out in grief
the loud keens of the widows were heard throughout the war-ravaged city
1
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
victims of the disaster have been keening for weeks about the slowness of governmental aid
2
as in to howl
to make a long loud mournful sound
mourners keening for the victims of the bombing
1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
the keenness of the knife should tell you that it was sharpened recently a writer famous for the keenness of her wit
2
as in enthusiasm
urgent desire or interest
was looking forward to his birthday party with the keenness of a youngster
3
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters
had the financial keenness to know that the stock was overvalued
4
as in sensitiveness
the state or quality of being able to sense slight impressions or differences
there's an enhanced keenness of hearing that young mothers seem to develop
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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