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Keenness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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keenness

[ˈkiːnnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

emotional reaction

The quality or state of being keen; eagerness; enthusiasm.

Synonyms

eagerness, enthusiasm, zeal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
keenness

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

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

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

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.

Examples of usage

  • He felt a keenness to learn more about the subject.
  • Her keenness for adventure led her to travel to remote places.
Context #2 | Noun

perception

Sharpness or acuteness, as of a needle, knife, or sense.

Synonyms

acuteness, keeness, sharpness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
keenness

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.
sharpness

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.
acuteness

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.

Examples of usage

  • The keenness of his vision allowed him to spot the tiny details.
  • She admired the keenness of his hearing, which could pick up even the faintest sounds.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that people with a keen interest in subjects are more likely to retain information and perform better academically.
  • Keenness can enhance motivation, which is linked to higher success rates in personal and professional goals.

Literature

  • In classic novels, characters often show keenness in pursuit of their dreams, highlighting the importance of enthusiasm and desire.
  • Many poets use the concept of keenness to illustrate the intensity of emotions associated with love, ambition, or discovery.

Education

  • Educators often try to foster keenness in students to improve engagement and learning outcomes.
  • Activities that promote keenness, like hands-on projects, often lead to deeper understanding of concepts.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, showing keenness is often associated with positive traits such as ambition and enthusiasm.
  • The expression 'keen as mustard' reflects a cultural appreciation for eagerness, popularized in British English.

Origin of 'keenness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'kenen', which means to know or to perceive clearly.
  • In Old English, 'cene' meant bold or brave, indicating an early association with being eager and daring.

The word 'keenness' originated from the Middle English 'kene,' meaning 'sharp' or 'bold.' Over time, it evolved to encompass the sense of eagerness and enthusiasm. The term reflects a combination of sharp perception and intense interest, capturing a sense of focus and passion.

See also: keen, keeness, keening, keenly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,137, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.