n.
Pronunciation: ' k ē n
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English kene brave, sharp, from Old English c ē ne brave; akin to Old High German kuoni brave
Date: 13th century
1 a : having a fine edge or point : SHARP b : affecting one as if by cutting < keen sarcasm> c : pungent to the sense <a keen scent>
2 a (1) : showing a quick and ardent responsiveness : ENTHUSIASTIC <a keen swimmer> (2) : EAGER <was keen to begin> b of emotion or feeling : INTENSE <the keen delight in the chase ― F. W. Maitland>
3 a : intellectually alert : having or characteristic of a quick penetrating mind <a keen student> <a keen awareness of the problem> also : shrewdly astute b : sharply contested < keen debate> c : extremely sensitive in perception < keen eyes>
4 : WONDERFUL , EXCELLENT
synonyms see SHARP , EAGER
– keen · ly adverb
– keen · ness \ ' k ē n-n ə s \ noun
– keen on : very enthusiastic or excited about <wasn't keen on going>