keen

keen · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm; very interested in something.

  2. 2.

    (Of a blade or edge) Sharp; able to cut well.

  3. 3.

    (Of the senses or mental faculties) Highly developed; acute or sensitive.

  4. 4.

    (Of cold, wind, or weather) Intense; biting or piercing.

  5. 5.

    (British, informal) Very fond of or attracted to someone.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    keen as mustard — (British) Extremely eager or enthusiastic
  • •
    keen on — Interested in or attracted to
  • •
    keen observer — Someone who notices things carefully

Related words

Antonyms: apathetic, dull, indifferent
See also: eager, enthusiastic, sharp
Synonyms: acute, eager, enthusiastic, sharp

Etymology

From Old English cēne ("bold, brave, fierce, warlike"), from Proto-Germanic kōniz. The sense shifted from "brave" to "sharp, eager" over time.