keen
Strongly interested or enthusiastic; sharp and quick.
Word facts
Definition
Keen means showing a strong interest or enthusiasm in something, or having a sharp and quick mind. It can also describe a sharp edge or a sharp sense perception.
Usage: Keen is more common in British English than American English as a synonym for eager. Avid and enthusiastic are common equivalents in both varieties.
Example sentences
- 1
She is a keen reader who finishes two or three books every week.
- 2
He has a keen eye for design and notices details others miss.
- 3
The puppy was keen to play as soon as the door opened.
Word family
From Old English cēne ('wise, bold, brave'). Over centuries it developed the sense of 'sharp' and then 'eager' — as a keen blade is sharp and ready.
Keen sounds like 'clean cut' — a keen edge is sharp. A keen mind is clear and sharp.
Explore this word in Word Lab
FAQ
Questions people ask
What does keen mean in British English?
In British English, keen means enthusiastic or eager. 'I'm keen to start' means 'I'm eager to start'.
What is the adverb form of keen?
The adverb is keenly. Example: She listened keenly to every word.