keen1

 
Pronunciation: /kiːn/

adjective

  • 1chiefly British having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm: a keen gardener John was keen to help
  • (keen on) interested in or attracted by (someone or something): Bob makes it obvious he’s keen on her
  • 2sharp or penetrating, in particular:
  • (of a sense) highly developed: I have keen eyesight
  • (of mental faculties) quick to understand: her keen intellect
  • (of the edge or point of a blade) sharp: the keen blade went through the weeds
  • (of the air or wind) extremely cold; biting: a keen wind cut through their thick overalls
  • literary (of a smell, light, or sound) penetrating; clear: ear-splitting explosive bursts, keen and sharp
  • 3British (of activity or feeling) intense: there could be keen competition to provide the service
  • 3(of prices) very low; competitive: we offer extremely keen rates
  • 4 [predic.] North American informal, dated excellent: I would soon fly to distant stars—how keen!

Phrases

(as) keen as mustard

British informal extremely eager or enthusiastic.

Derivatives

keenly

adverb

Origin:

Old English cēne 'wise, clever', also 'brave, daring', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch koen and German kühn 'bold, brave'. Current senses date from Middle English