Keen
/kiːn/
adjectiveB1
Definition
Keen describes a strong feeling or interest in something, like being very eager or excited. It can also mean something is very sharp, like a knife, or very clear and strong, like a keen sense of smell or hearing.
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See It in Action
Having strong interest or eagerness
- •She is keen to learn new languages.
- •They were keen on playing football after school.
- •I’m keen to try the new restaurant in town.
Very sharp or intense (physical or mental)
- •He has a keen sense of smell.
- •The knife’s keen edge cut through the rope easily.
- •She has a keen mind for solving problems.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "keen" like "like," but much stronger—when you really want or enjoy something a lot
- ✓Picture someone with very sharp eyes watching carefully or a sharp knife cutting easily
- ✓It's the feeling when you are very excited to start a new hobby or try something new
- ✓Sounds like "keen" → imagine a sharp "key" opening a door quickly and easily, showing focus and sharpness
- ✓Remember Sherlock Holmes, who has a keen mind and keen observation skills—very sharp and smart
- ✓NOT like "like" (soft interest), "keen" is intense and strong interest or sharpness
- ✓NOT like "dull" (not sharp), "keen" means very sharp or clear
- ✓NOT like "lazy" or "indifferent," "keen" shows active eagerness or sharpness
Try Other Words
- •Eager: very interested and excited (Use when talking about desire or interest)
- •Sharp: having a fine edge or clear ability (Use when describing physical or mental sharpness)
- •Enthusiastic: showing strong excitement or interest (Use when emphasizing energy and excitement)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix, base word)
- •Etymology: From Old English "cene" meaning bold, brave, or sharp
- •Historical development: Originally meant brave or bold, later came to mean sharp or eager
- •Modern usage: Used to describe strong interest, sharpness, or intensity in feelings or senses
Reflect & Connect
•When have you felt keen about learning or trying something new? What made you feel that way?
•How does having a keen sense help people in daily life or work?
Fill in the blanks
1.She was keen ___ learning new skills because she wanted to improve quickly.
2.A keen knife can cut ___ and easily through tough materials.
3.He is keen ___ photography and spends a lot of time taking pictures.
4.Having a keen sense of hearing means you can ___ sounds others might miss.
5.They were keen ___ joining the team, showing strong interest and excitement.
6.Unlike being interested, being keen means you feel very ___ and ready to act.
7.The detective’s keen observation helped him ___ the mystery faster.