Keen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
keen
[kiหn ]
Definitions
desire or interest
Having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm.
Synonyms
eager, enthusiastic, passionate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| keen |
This seems to be a repetition. |
| eager |
Used to convey an impatient desire or excitement to do something. Suggests a forward-looking anticipation.
|
| enthusiastic |
Conveys a high level of interest or excitement about something. Often implies active and energetic engagement.
|
| passionate |
Used to express strong, intense feelings about something or someone. Often conveys deep commitment and emotion.
|
Examples of usage
- She was keen to start her new job.
- He has a keen interest in photography.
sharpness
Having a sharp edge; sharp.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| keen |
Used to describe a strong interest or enthusiasm for something.
|
| sharp |
Can describe something that is pointed or cutting, quick in understanding, or harsh in attitude. When describing behavior, it may have a negative connotation.
|
| acute |
Often describes things that are intense or severe, such as acute pain or an acute sense of smell.
|
| keen-edged |
Refers to something, usually a tool or a blade, that is extremely sharp.
|
Examples of usage
- The knife had a keen blade.
- His keen eyesight allowed him to spot the small details.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In many movies, characters described as keen often play the role of detectives or sharp-witted friends who solve mysteries.
- The term is commonly used in sports contexts, such as 'keen competitor', to describe someone who is very enthusiastic and determined.
- In literature, keen characters often signify intelligence and insight, helping drive plots forward with their sharp observations.
Psychology
- Studies show that people who describe themselves as keen observers tend to be more successful in social interactions.
- Being keen can also relate to having a growth mindset, leading to increased motivation and learning.
- Research suggests that keen awareness of oneโs environment can improve problem-solving abilities.
Literature
- Literature often uses the concept of being keen to highlight characters with acute perception, making them central to plots.
- Classic works reveal that keen insights often accompany moments of revelation or significant character development.
- In poetry, keen imagery can evoke sharp sensations, illuminating emotions and thoughts vividly for readers.
Science
- In biology, keen senses such as sight and hearing are crucial for survival in many species, impacting their ability to find food and avoid predators.
- Keen interest in scientific fields can lead to breakthroughs and advancements in technology and medicine.
- Sensory acuity is closely studied in neuroscience, relating to how certain stimuli are perceived more clearly by vigilant individuals.
Origin of 'keen'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'cene', which meant bold or brave.
- Originally, it was used to describe someone with sharp senses, like a keen sense of smell or hearing.
- In some dialects, it has also meant 'eager' or 'zealous', showing a long history of enthusiasm.
The word 'keen' originated from the Old English word 'cene', meaning 'bold, brave, clever'. Over time, its meanings evolved to include 'eager', 'sharp', and 'enthusiastic'. The word has been used in various contexts to describe both mental sharpness and enthusiasm.
Word Frequency Rank
At #5,175 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
- ...
- 5172 socialist
- 5173 sensation
- 5174 invariably
- 5175 keen
- 5176 vague
- 5177 metropolitan
- 5178 bigger
- ...