Keenness: meaning, definitions and examples

Keenness describes a strong, sharp desire or interest in something. It is often used to talk about senses or intellect, indicating acute awareness or perception.

• Her keenness for details made her an excellent detective.
• The student's keenness to learn was evident in his questions.

Eagerness refers to an intense, impatient desire to do or achieve something. It suggests a yearning or strong willingness, often with a sense of urgency.

• The children showed great eagerness to open their presents on Christmas morning.
• She accepted the new job offer with eagerness.

Enthusiasm conveys a lively interest or passion for something. It usually implies a positive and energetic attitude towards an activity or subject.

• His enthusiasm for teaching was evident in every lecture.
• The crowd's enthusiasm made the concert unforgettable.

Zeal signifies fervent and tireless devotion to a cause or objective. It connotes strong, energetic effort and passionate commitment. Sometimes has a negative connotation if perceived as overly intense or fanatical.

• Her zeal for environmental causes inspired many volunteers.
• He approached his new project with great zeal.

Used to describe a strong and eager interest or enthusiasm towards something. Commonly used in both formal and informal settings.

• Her keenness to learn new languages is impressive.
• He showed great keenness for the project.

Refers to the quality of being sharp in a literal or figurative sense. Can describe the edge of an object, clarity of an image, or mental acuity. May have a negative connotation when describing a tone or manner.

• The sharpness of the knife made it easy to cut the vegetables.
• He admired the sharpness of her mind.
• There was a sharpness in his voice that suggested he was upset.

Typically used in a formal context to describe a high degree of perceptiveness or sensitivity, especially in regards to intelligence or senses.

• The acuteness of his vision allowed him to see details others missed.
• Her acuteness in solving problems made her an invaluable team member.