WordGarden.iokeen
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈiːn/
US
- /ˈkin/
Meanings
Adjective
eager, enthusiastic, or strongly interested
sharp, perceptive, or quick to notice and understand
sharp enough to cut or pierce easily
Beyond the definition
To be keen on something means you're really enthusiastic about it—like a kid who's keen to open presents on Christmas morning! But "keen" isn't just about excitement. It can also describe something that is incredibly sharp, like a keen knife or a keen intellect. A keen observer notices details others miss. Think of a hawk with its keen eyesight spotting prey from miles away. So, "keen" can be about passion or precision—and often both!
The word "keen" is surprisingly versatile, carrying meanings that range from intense enthusiasm to sharp perception and even physical sharpness. At its heart, "keen" suggests a heightened state of something—whether it's interest, intellect, or a physical edge.
If someone says they are "keen" on an idea or activity, it means they're very eager and enthusiastic about it. "She was keen to start her new job" implies she couldn't wait to begin. This is the most common usage in modern English.
"Keen" also describes things that are physically sharp or piercing—think of a "keen blade" or a "keen wind." This sense extends metaphorically to describe intelligence and perception. A "keen mind" is quick and insightful, able to grasp complex things easily, while a "keen observer" notices subtle details that others overlook.
You might also hear it used to describe intensity of feeling: a "keen sorrow" or a "keen sense of justice." This usage emphasizes the depth and sharpness of an emotion. Whether you're describing someone's passion, their intellect, or a physical edge, "keen" always implies a level of intensity that stands out. It's a word that cuts to the chase, just like a keen blade!
Examples
- 1
Fitness
She's a keen runner and trains before work most mornings.
- 2
Polite interest
We're keen to hear your ideas before we make a decision.
- Patternbe keen to + verb
want to do it
- 3
Personal taste
I'm not very keen on horror movies.
- Patternbe keen on + noun
like it or be interested in it
- 4
Club interest
Liam is keen on joining the photography club.
- Patternbe keen on + -ing
be interested in doing it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Attention to detail
The editor has a keen eye for small mistakes.
- Patternhave a keen eye for + detail
notice it easily
- 6
Animal senses
Dogs have a keen sense of smell.
- 7
School admissions
There is keen competition for places at the school.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- keen to learn
- keen on music
- keen interest
- not too keen on
Word family
- keenly
- keenness
Explore
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- keennounverbadjective
Forms
- keenercomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- keenestsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun
- keening-ing formverbadjectivenoun
- keenspluralnounverbadjective
- keenedpast tenseverbadjectivenoun