Keenest: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

keenest

 

[ kiːnɪst ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

highest degree

The term 'keenest' is the superlative form of 'keen,' which describes the highest degree of sharpness, enthusiasm, or eagerness. It can refer to someone who has a strong interest or acute perception in a given area. For example, a keenest interest might pertain to a specific subject, hobby, or career. When used in various contexts, it emphasizes an unparalleled level of intensity or passion. Often, it characterizes individuals who excel in mental sharpness or observational skills.

Synonyms

most eager, most perceptive, sharpest

Examples of usage

  • She had the keenest insight into human behavior.
  • He is the keenest competitor in the tournament.
  • They showed the keenest interest in learning new skills.

Translations

Translations of the word "keenest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais entusiasmado

🇮🇳 सबसे उत्साही

🇩🇪 am begeistertsten

🇮🇩 paling bersemangat

🇺🇦 найбільш зацікавлений

🇵🇱 najbardziej entuzjastyczny

🇯🇵 最も熱心な

🇫🇷 le plus enthousiaste

🇪🇸 el más entusiasta

🇹🇷 en heyecanlı

🇰🇷 가장 열정적인

🇸🇦 الأكثر حماسًا

🇨🇿 nejvíce nadšený

🇸🇰 najviac nadšený

🇨🇳 最热情

🇸🇮 najbolj navdušen

🇮🇸 mest áhugasamur

🇰🇿 ең ынталы

🇬🇪 ყველაზე ენთუზიაზმით

🇦🇿 ən həyəcanlı

🇲🇽 el más entusiasta

Etymology

The word 'keen' has its origins in the Old English 'cene,' which meant bold or brave. Over time, the meaning evolved and expanded to include a sense of being intense or enthusiastic. As Middle English developed, 'keen' was adopted into the language, and it became associated with sharpness, both literally and figuratively. The formation of the superlative 'keenest' follows standard English conventions of creating comparatives and superlatives by adding '-er' and '-est.' This progression reflects the word's transition into modern usage, where 'keenest' describes the extreme of eagerness, intelligence, or sharpness in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,354, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.