English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word keen in English

What does keen mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

keen

US /kiːn/
UK /kiːn/
"keen" picture

Adjective

1.

having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm

Example:
•
She's very keen on learning new languages.
•
He's a keen sportsman.
Synonym:
eagerenthusiasticavidferventardent
2.

having or showing a strong sense of something; acute

Example:
•
Dogs have a very keen sense of smell.
•
She has a keen eye for detail.
Synonym:
sharpacuteperceptivediscerningpenetrating
3.

(of a feeling) intense or strong

Example:
•
He felt a keen sense of disappointment.
•
There was a keen competition for the prize.
Synonym:
intensestrongfierceacuteprofound

Verb

1.

to wail in grief for a dead person

Example:
•
The women began to keen as the coffin was lowered.
•
She could hear the distant sound of someone keening.
Synonym:
waillamentmourncrygrieve
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Related Word:
keen on