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Keen: meaning, definitions and examples

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keen

 

[kiːn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

desire or interest

Having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm.

Synonyms

eager, enthusiastic, passionate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The students were eager for the field trip
  • | She was eager to share her news
enthusiastic

Conveys a high level of interest or excitement about something. Often implies active and energetic engagement.

  • He was enthusiastic about the new project
  • | The audience was enthusiastic during the concert
passionate

Used to express strong, intense feelings about something or someone. Often conveys deep commitment and emotion.

  • She is passionate about environmental conservation
  • | He spoke in a passionate tone about his favorite book

Examples of usage

  • She was keen to start her new job.
  • He has a keen interest in photography.
Context #2 | Adjective

sharpness

Having a sharp edge; sharp.

Synonyms

acute, keen-edged, sharp.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
keen

Used to describe a strong interest or enthusiasm for something.

  • She is keen to learn more about the topic.
  • He has a keen interest in photography.
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.

  • The pencil had a sharp point.
  • She has a sharp mind for solving puzzles.
  • He made a sharp comment that hurt her feelings.
acute

Often describes things that are intense or severe, such as acute pain or an acute sense of smell.

  • He was suffering from acute appendicitis.
  • Her acute sense of hearing allowed her to hear even the softest sounds.
keen-edged

Refers to something, usually a tool or a blade, that is extremely sharp.

  • The surgeon used a keen-edged scalpel for the operation.
  • The keen-edged knife sliced through the vegetables easily.

Examples of usage

  • The knife had a keen blade.
  • His keen eyesight allowed him to spot the small details.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 one’s 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "keen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entusiasta

🇮🇳 उत्सुक

🇩🇪 begeistert

🇮🇩 bersemangat

🇺🇦 заповзятий

🇵🇱 zapalony

🇯🇵 熱心な

🇫🇷 enthousiaste

🇪🇸 entusiasta

🇹🇷 hevesli

🇰🇷 열정적인

🇸🇦 متحمس

🇨🇿 nadšený

🇸🇰 nadšený

🇨🇳 热心的

🇸🇮 navdušen

🇮🇸 áhugasamur

🇰🇿 құмар

🇬🇪 გატაცებული

🇦🇿 həvəsli

🇲🇽 entusiasta

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.