Keen
/kiːn/
Definitions
3 meaningsEager; enthusiastic; showing a strong interest or desire.
/kiːn/
Having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm.
He was keen to start the project.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is REALLY excited about a new video game, that's how keen she is to play it! Or, when you're super excited to try a new food, you're keen to eat it.
👶 For kids: When you're *keen*, it means you're super excited and want to do something a lot!
More Examples
She is keen on classical music.
The students were keen to participate in the debate.
How It's Used
"She is keen to learn new languages."
"The company is keen on expanding into new markets."
Sharp; penetrating; perceptive; having or showing an ability to think clearly and quickly.
/kiːn/
Having or demonstrating a quick and intelligent perception.
The dog has a keen sense of smell.
💡 Simply: If someone's smart and notices things easily, like when you understand a joke right away, that person has a keen mind.
👶 For kids: When you're *keen* it means you are good at seeing and understanding things.
More Examples
She is known for her keen intelligence.
He had a keen eye for detail.
How It's Used
"She has a keen sense of observation."
"The detective had a keen mind for solving mysteries."
To wail or lament loudly; to express grief or sorrow, often with a high-pitched cry, especially for a deceased person.
/kiːn/
To wail or lament, especially for the dead.
The women keened at the funeral, expressing their deep sorrow.
💡 Simply: When you're *keening*, it's like when people cry out loud because they're very, very sad. It's often at funerals or when someone has been hurt.
👶 For kids: When you *keen*, it means you are crying and wailing because you are very, very sad.
More Examples
The mourners keened for their lost loved ones, their voices echoing through the valley.
How It's Used
"The mourners keened for their lost loved ones."
"Ancient Irish traditions involved keening at funerals."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
keen on
Very interested in something; enthusiastic about something.
"She's keen on learning Spanish."
keen sense
A sharp or highly developed ability or perception.
"She had a keen sense of smell."
keen eye
Very good at noticing things and seeing details.
"The accountant had a keen eye for detail."
From Old English *cēne* ('brave, bold, fierce'), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *kōnijaz ('skilled, brave').
Historically, 'keen' could also mean brave or bold, but this usage is less common today.
Memory tip
Think of someone who is very *keen* to go on a trip—full of excitement!
Word Origin
"brave, bold, fierce"