A Word A Day : Keen




Tuesday, 16th October 2007 : Today's Word is ...

Keen



( Adjective )


Pronunciation : ke-een

1. Finely tuned and able to sense minor differences, distinctions, or details

2. Intense and lively

3. Having a sharp cutting edge ( literary )

4. Cold and penetrating

5. Quick to understand things

6. Eager and willing to do something


Etymology:


Middle English kene, from Old English cne, brave

Synonyms:


Sharp, Strong, Deep, Intense, Acute, Powerful, Profound, Extreme, Ardent, Lively, Razor Sharp, Sharpened, Sharp-Edged, Whetted, Bright, Steely, Well-Honed, Competitive, Low, Cheap, Attractive, Affordable, Effective, Sensitive, Precise, Accurate, Perceptive, Responsive, Finely Honed, Finely Tuned, Well-Developed, Eager, Enthusiastic, Fanatical, Willing, Desirous, Dedicated, Devoted, Zealous, Earnest, Icy, Bitter, Cold, Chilly, Wintry, Freezing, Glacial, Biting, Penetrating, Quick, Clever, Alert, Intelligent, Astute


Antonyms:


Mild, Blunt, Prohibitive, Insensitive, Indifferent, Dull


Contextual Examples:


• Restrain also the keen fury of my heart which provokes me to tread the ways of blood-curdling strife.

• It's awfully decent of him to let me go with him, but he didn't seem very keen about it.

Related Words :


1. Keenly: Adverb

2. Keenness: Noun

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