There are formal terms in the English language, and then there are slang terms. However, some words or phrases are neither purely formal nor completely slang – and sit somewhere in the middle. When using the word «keen» in your writing, make sure it conforms to the style of your writing.
To correctly use the word «keen» in a sentence, incorporate the word to describe the intensity, interest, or sharpness (literally) of a subject. Also, the word should be used in tandem with specific prepositions; or words such as «to», «on», «in», «for», etc. should be used right after the word.
Read on to know more about the adjective’s meaning and origin, usage in various writing scenarios, example sentences with the word, etc.
Keen – Definition
The adjective «keen» is generally used to describe a thing or individual that’s sharp, intense, or focused. People who are «keen» on a certain thing basically are greatly interested in that thing and enjoy doing it. «Keenly (adverb)» and «keenness (noun)» are words derived from the adjective.
A few synonyms for the word include:
- eager
- piercing
- acute
- penetrating
- discerning
- fervent
- biting
- caustic
The word and the above synonyms are usually used to describe the:
- mind
- intellect
- eye
- sense
- desire
«Keen» could also be used to denote the superlativeness of an event, situation, or something or someone in a cool and fun way. In other words, the adjective could be used as an «intensifier».
Despite the otherwise positive connotation, there could be a tad bit of sarcasm looming over the word when used to effusively praise a certain thing or person.
Brief History
The adjective has been in use since the 900s. It is based on «cene», an Old English word, and is related to «kœnn», an Old Norse term. The word «cene» translates as «bold and brave». The spelling of «keen» and «cene» are different, but they sound pretty much alike.
Old Norse, also called Old Scandinavian or Old Nordic, was a North Germanic language. It was spoken by Scandinavia inhabitants and their settlements overseas from around the 7th century and up to the 15th century.
Besides Old Norse, the word «keen» is used to denote «strong» and «bold» in other languages such as Dutch and German. The word means «sharp», in relation to a blade or an edge, only in English.
The adjective «keen» could be used in multiple ways. It is, however, mostly used to describe intensity, enthusiasm, or sharpness (literally or figuratively). «A keen blade» or «a keen knife», for instance, literally means a sharp blade or a finely sharpened razor that pierces or cuts substances readily. Here is an example sentence using the phrase:
- She wanted to use my keen knife.
When the term is used to refer to something sharp, it’s usually a knife (literal) or the human mind (figurative). Here are a few examples of using the word figuratively:
- A keen olfactory sense is one that is extremely strong and perceptive.
- A keen intellect or mind is one that is mentally strong and sharp.
- A keen desire or yearning is filled with intensity.
- A keen wind and keen satire are both biting and piercing.
The word can also be used to elucidate the alacrity with which certain things work. For example, the phrases «keen ears» or «keen eyes» mean the specific organs are particularly responsive or sensitive. «A keen mind» or «keen reasoning» indicates exhibiting or having great mental penetration.
«Keen» as a Slang Term
The phrases «keen on», «be into», and «interested in» are all different sets of words that mean pretty much the same thing. The phrase «interested in» is the most formal of the three and invariably used in academic and business texts. «Be into» is the least formal phrase, or proper slang. «Keen on» lies between the two.
When used in conjunction with another word, however, «keen» may become increasingly slangy. The phrase «peachy keen», for instance, is informal.
The «peachy keen» phrase is used to refer to a thing as wonderful or excellent in a playful and informal manner. The phrase «peachy keen» could be used with or without the hyphen. The word «peachy» could also be used to denote the same thing.
The phrase «peachy keen» is not exactly recent or commonly used. It, in fact, is viewed as a slightly outdated phrase. The word «peachy» is used instead when the writer intends to mean the same thing as the phrase.
Due to its datedness, the phrase is typically used when the writer intends the sentence or message to come across as a bit cute or silly. And due to the overly cheerful or optimistic sound to it, the phrase could be used in a slightly sarcastic way at times. For example:
- My meetings ran beyond scheduled timings and I had a flat tire, but my day sure was simply peachy-keen.
The word «peachy», which means an attractive or especially likable person, could be used earnestly, however. But even the lone adjective might be intertwined with sarcasm on certain occasions.
The adjective «keen» has been around since the 900s, as mentioned earlier. It was, however, used as a slang term only during the 1900s, a millennium later. Similarly, the word «peach» is a slang term that has been used in the US since the 1700s, at least. The first recorded usage of «peachy keen», however, was during the 1950s.
Prepositions to Use After «Keen»
The adjective «keen» could be followed by a noun or a preposition. The prepositions that typically follow the word are (in descending order of usage):
- on
- for
- to
- in
- about
- at
- of
The preposition «on» is the most commonly used. Here are a few sentences incorporating «keen on»:
- But she wasn’t too keen on the plan.
- Are you keen on writing about consumer technology? Keep reading.
- Our six-year-old daughter wasn’t too keen on swimming as the pool was a bit too deep for her.
- I was never keen on attending that university, as I wasn’t a fan of the way the courses worked there.
- After my brief interaction with Jim, I quickly realized he wasn’t very keen on the project.
Here are some sentences using a few other prepositions with the word «keen»:
- He seemed a bit too keen for the project.
- The car’s engine is quite keen to rev.
- She isn’t very keen in certain ways.
- And I was not feeling very keen about that.
Kindly note, the prepositions in the above sentences are interchangeable, to a certain extent.
There are, of course, some differences between the prepositions. The words «on» and «to», for instance, could denote certain minor, yet important variations.
- She is extremely keen on cooking.
- She is extremely keen to cook today.
In the first sentence, the preposition «on» denotes in general terms the subject’s interest in cooking. In the second sentence, however, the word «to» indicates the subject is stoked about cooking on the given day. The person may be keen on cooking in general or she is just feeling like cooking on that particular day alone.
Example Sentences with the Word «Keen»
Here is a wide range of sentences incorporating the word «keen»:
- She was a self-reliant, silent woman – with thin lips, a keen eye, and a professional demeanor.
- I ain’t keen either way.
- He was standing outside all by himself, watching things with keen interest.
- Mark gave her a keen glance.
- I’m keen to eat some pizza tonight.
- She was keen to know how he was doing.
- He was a keen hunter and a solid horseman.
- These last articles exhibit a keen analysis and solid interpretation of facts.
- Despite being extremely close, they wanted their privacy, and distance was particularly needed with that keen hearing ability of theirs.
- The malls are quite nearby for keen shoppers.
- Not all agriculturists are keen traders.
- They still rehearse two times a week and are more than just keen to widen their horizons.
- He was a good handyman and also a keen musician.
- I am not very keen on that topic.
- All the kids were keen to swim.
- They aren’t very keen on using the term to describe the dominant pair of the pack.
- That doesn’t bode well for the leader, who is keen on ruling the country indefinitely.
- They’ve been on a couple of dates together, and Amanda seems really keen.
- Anna is very keen on Tom.
Conclusion
If you are keen on something, it means you are excited about that thing and you cannot wait. On the other hand, if you are not keen on a thing, it denotes you are not enthusiastic about it or interested in it.
It should not be that difficult to get the meaning of the adjective right. However, as mentioned above, there are instances when the word could be used in the literal sense. Make sure you are able to make that distinction in meaning when framing sentences using the word.
Kindly note, «keen» is not very frequently used in the United States. It’s an adjective more popular in the UK and Australia than in America. If you are looking to specifically cater to English speakers of certain geographies, be particularly wary of this aspect.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.
Examples of how to use the word “keen” in a sentence. How to connect “keen” with other words to make correct English sentences.
keen (adj): very interested, eager, or wanting (to do) something very much
Use “keen” in a sentence
| Dogs have a keen sense of smell. |
| John was very keen to help. |
| I’m keen on cooking.
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Here you can find a large assortment of example sentences for the word keen, or in other words sentences that can help you learn how to use keen in a sentence. Learning how to use a word in a sentences can be very helpful, for example when it comes to learning how to use the word in a sentence, in which context the word can be used as well as to learn the true meaning of the word «keen».
Keen in a sentence
Here below you will find several sentences that illustrate how to use the word keen in a sentence.
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Saint-Saëns was a keen traveller.
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He was a keen and expert marksman.
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Others keen to profit soon joined in.
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Poe had a keen interest in cryptography.
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He was a keen fisherman and enjoyed shooting.
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While there, he also became a keen poker player.
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Walpole was a keen and discerning collector of art.
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He was also a music lover and a keen fly-fisherman.
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He was keen to avoid an «Anglo-Franco-Soviet bloc».
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Presley was keen to resume regular live performing.
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The blade is bright and keen and wholly dependable.
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With the club’s finances dwindling, the board was keen to add new revenue streams.
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Both Moravec and his private secretary, Franz Stuchlik, were keen rock collectors.
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The Sikkim government is keen to open a Lhasa–Gangtok bus service via Nathula pass.
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The army was enthusiastic and keen to fight well under Napoleon’s direct leadership.
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A keen sportsman, he became involved in swimming coaching as well as golf and fishing.
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Barnes returned to Australia for the 1947–48 season, keen to win a place on the 1948 tour to England.
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Both parents were keen theatregoers, but did not encourage their children to follow an acting career.
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At the age of eight he was a keen swimmer, and for much of his life he taught local children to swim.
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King James I, who came to the English throne from Scotland in 1603, had a keen interest in witchcraft.
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In his personal mannerisms, it was said that Ames had a keen sense of humor and a relaxed disposition.
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The writers were keen to explore other stories in this bottle episode or TV play format, and Inside No.
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The two armies met at Wallingford, but neither side’s barons were keen to fight another pitched battle.
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By the age of four he was keen on goalkeeping; he was fearless of injury and enjoyed diving on the ball.
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Although Five Leaves Left attracted little publicity, Boyd was keen to build on what momentum there was.
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He phones his au pair for a card, keen she not look in the wrong drawer, but Malcolm snatches the phone.
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Kneale was not keen to return to the character following this, telling one interviewer, «I blew him up ..
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A keen geographer, he was awarded the Dr Thomson Foundation Gold Medal in 1956 for his geographical work.
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A keen geographer, Towner would often disappear into the bush for weeks on end, for study or exploration.
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The quality of published science fiction at the time was generally low, and Lasser was keen to improve it.
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The other batsmen had all made centuries, and the Australian players were keen to see Hamence do the same.
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These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.
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Under Charles II, a keen racegoer and owner, and Anne, royal support was given to racing and the breeding of race horses.
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They recognize them by using their keen sense of smell to detect differences in the composition of anal gland secretions.
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Henry of Winchester was keen to reverse what he perceived as encroachment by the Norman kings on the rights of the church.
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Windsor was keen that his wife—who had been rejected by the British establishment—experience a state visit as his consort.
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Through these and other works he was keen to promote aerial archaeology, coming to be firmly identified with the technique.
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Walpole was a keen music lover and when in 1920 he heard a new tenor at the Proms he was much impressed and sought him out.
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Thickly set and physically strong, he was a keen Australian rules footballer, playing for Ganmain, Grong Grong, and Matong.
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Wheeler was keen to continue archaeological fieldwork outside London, undertaking excavations every year from 1926 to 1939.
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When his soul whispers its intention to him it sends him resolutely forth, his courage and his caution like two keen blades.
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However, much evidence suggests that Rosebery, while professing to be happy, was at times irritated and bored by Hannah, who was always keen to accommodate his every whim.
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Hiro was very keen to avoid that over-bright stage look.» The budget meant that many of the Enterprise sets were redresses of those used in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
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Some of the Anglo-Norman barons made individual peace agreements with each other to secure their lands and war gains, and many were not keen to pursue any further conflict.
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The International Cricket Council’s executive committee votes for the hosts of the tournament after examining the bids made by the nations keen to hold a Cricket World Cup.
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A keen naturalist, Henry was aware that native birds were declining, and began catching and moving kakapo and kiwi from the mainland to the predator-free Resolution Island.
Synonyms for keen
Another way to better understand how a word can be used is to examine what synonyms it has, and how these synonyms can be used. For example, the word keen has the following synonyms: acute, discriminating, incisive, knifelike, penetrating, penetrative, piercing, sharp, perceptive, bang-up, bully, corking, cracking, dandy, great, groovy, neat, nifty, not bad, peachy, slap-up, swell, smashing, good, cutting, stabbing, lancinate, lancinating, exquisite, intense and lament.
General information about «keen» example sentences
The example sentences for the word keen that we present on this web site, stems from different official sources. For example one of our sources are articles on Wikipedia that are classified as at least Good articles. But we also use news articles, books and other generic texts to gather example sentences of how the word «keen» can be used in a sentence. To the right of every sentence you will find a link out arrow that sends you to the source of the sentence, where you can access the full text and context for the presented example sentence. This can be useful because some words can sometimes be difficult to understand with only a sentence for context, whereas the full article or text can help you gain insight on how to use the word «keen».
Keen in a Sentence
- His keen sense of observation allowed him to notice that his keys were not where he had left them.
- The keen wind felt like knives against his skin, causing him to shield his face and he moved forward.
- A dog has an extremely keen sense of smell.
Firstly, What is a keen person?
What does keen mean? Keen commonly means eager, interested, or enthusiastic. This sense of the word is often followed by about or on and the particular interest, as in He’s very keen on music. … A keen intellect is one that’s sharp in the sense of being mentally strong. A keen desire is an intense one.
Then What type of word is keen? Keen is an adjective that describes something that is intense, sharp, or focused. The word keen comes from the Old English word cene that translates to “bold and brave” and while the spelling is now really different, the sounds are similar.
Actually What is a good sentence for the word Keen?
(1) He always funked when competition grew too keen. (2) We are keen that Britain should get involved too. (3) She’s very keen to learn about Japanese culture. (4) He told Hayling that he was keen to help.
Has been very keen means?
B1. very interested, eager, or wanting (to do) something very much: They were very keen to start work as soon as possible.
What is a keen interest mean?
If you have a keen interest in something, you are really, really into it. Keen is an adjective that describes something that is intense, sharp, or focused.
What does it mean to have keen features?
adjective. having very clearly defined facial features. Her sharp-featured face was just beginning to blur around the jawline. He was a sharp-featured, dark-haired and immaculately cleanshaven man.
What does a keen sound like?
keen (v.) “lament loudly over the dead, bitterly wail,” 1811, from Irish caoinim “I weep, wail, lament,” from Old Irish coinim “I wail.” Hence “to utter in a shrill voice” (1893). Related: Keened; keener; keening. As a noun from 1830.
What is the best meaning for Keen?
2a(1) : showing a quick and ardent responsiveness : enthusiastic a keen swimmer. (2) : eager was keen to begin. b of emotion or feeling : intense the keen delight in the chase— F. W. Maitland. 3 : wonderful, excellent a keen idea. 4a : having a fine edge or point : sharp a knife with a keen blade.
Is keen a British word?
Keen on+gerund or +noun means enjoying that activity or thing, while to be keen on a person means to fancy him or her (in the British sense).
Is keen Australian slang?
In North America, “keen” is hardly even used. In Australia, they are keen on everything. Example of use: “I’m keen to drink some beers tonight.”
How do you use jealous in a sentence?
Jealous sentence example
- She doesn’t have any reason to be jealous of me. …
- But how could he be jealous , agree to send her away and make out with another woman? …
- What made a man act jealous when he had no cause to be? …
- The emperor Maximilian failed to make good his hold on Padua, and was jealous of the French.
Which preposition is used with keen?
The preposition “on” is the most commonly used. Here are a few sentences incorporating “keen on”: But she wasn’t too keen on the plan.
How do you use fed up in a sentence?
Fed up sentence example
- Gabriel was fed up with everything. …
- I’m fed up with moody women today. …
- Deidre shook her head and spun away, fed up with deities for the day. …
- She strode towards the door, fed up with the vamp toying with her.
What is the meaning of not keen?
It could also mean that “You are not very FOND of something in particular(meaning you don’t really like or enjoy something)” Example : “I am not very keen on watching football”, meaning I don’t really like watching football. And literally one meaning of keen is “sharp”, meaning “sharp” like a knife.
What is another word for keen interest?
What is another word for keen interest?
| passion | enthusiasm |
|---|---|
| fascination | obsession |
| interest | penchant |
| predilection | infatuation |
| partiality | preoccupation |
Are you keen means?
If you are keen on something, you like it a lot and are very enthusiastic about it. … If you describe someone as keen, you mean that they have an enthusiastic nature and are interested in everything that they do.
What is the sentence for keen interest?
He took a keen interest in politics and rural affairs, and wrote many articles and papers on conservation and field sports. Brangelina recently took a keen interest in a 25 million duplex apartment here. He also took a keen interest in the gift shops.
Is small forehead lucky?
The forehead signifies luck sent from heaven and is considered the “first prosperity mountain” of the face. A forehead that is smooth, round, prominent and wide indicates good fortune, power and wealth according to feng shui. The forehead should also be clear of lines, blemishes, spots or moles.
How can I get sharp facial features?
Trim face fat and get a more defined look with this face workout:
- Tilt your head back until you’re looking at the ceiling.
- Move your lower lip over your upper lip as far as you can; you should feel this in the jaw muscles near your ears.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Complete 10-15 sets.
What does strong face mean?
The short answer is that “strong” features are wide and “sharp” “features are narrow. Strong features are usually associated with masculinity while sharp features are usually associated with femininity. Some people find strong-featured women and sharp-featured men to be off-putting.
Is not keen meaning?
Now if someone says exactly the phrase/expression “You are not very keen”, then they usually mean that you are very inaccurate and sloppy with just about everything you do, you do not care how you do things, you don’t take pride in your work/craftsmanship, etc.., you are incompetent of doing most things correctly, etc. …
Does keening mean sharp or stabbing?
keen·er, keen·est. 1. Having a fine, sharp cutting edge or point. 2. Having or marked by intellectual quickness and acuity.
What does the opposite of keen mean?
keen. Antonyms: indifferent, languid, blunt, dull, blind. Synonyms: eager, vehement, sharp, piercing, penetrating, acute, cutting, biting, severe, sarcastic, satirical, ardent, prompt, shrewd.
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Keen sentence example
- He continued to take a keen interest in art and science. …
- He wasn’t too keen on the idea when she first told him about it. …
- He was a fine horseman and keen hunter. …
- She kept a keen eye out for the same kind of weed and was surprised at how much they found.
Where can I use keen?
You use keen to indicate that someone has a lot of enthusiasm for a particular activity and spends a lot of time doing it. She was a keen amateur photographer. If you describe someone as keen, you mean that they have an enthusiastic nature and are interested in everything that they do.
What does it mean when someone calls you keen?
What does keen mean? Keen commonly means eager, interested, or enthusiastic. This sense of the word is often followed by about or on and the particular interest, as in He’s very keen on music. More generally, keen means sharp, intense, or strong.
How do you use the word Keen?
Keen sentence example
- He continued to take a keen interest in art and science. …
- He wasn’t too keen on the idea when she first told him about it. …
- He was a fine horseman and keen hunter. …
- She kept a keen eye out for the same kind of weed and was surprised at how much they found.
What type of word is keen?
Keen is an adjective that describes something that is intense, sharp, or focused. The word keen comes from the Old English word cene that translates to «bold and brave» and while the spelling is now really different, the sounds are similar.
24 related questions found
Is keen on formal?
‘Interested in’ is the most formal of the three phrases; «keen on» is slightly less formal; and «be into» is a slang.
Is hate opposite of love?
Love and hate — they aren’t opposites, and it’s not a zero sum game where the more of one means the less of the other. Both feelings can stir, as they inevitably do. … That may be key: whether moments of positivity («I cherish her» or «I admire her») significantly outweigh moments of negativity («I hate him»).
What is the opposite boring?
Boring means; not interesting; tedious, dull, dusty, drab, oppressive. Opposites of Boring; interesting. fascinating. intriguing.
What is a dull person called?
fuddy-duddy. nounold-fashion person. dotard. dull person. fogy.
Is keen formal or informal?
2 Answers. These three terms are synonymous; they mean the same thing. ‘Interested in’ is the most formal of the three phrases; «keen on» is slightly less formal; and «be into» is a slang.
Is it keen on or keen in?
Senior Member. It is keen on.
What is the difference between keen and interested?
As adjectives the difference between interested and keen
is that interested is having or showing interest while keen is showing a quick and ardent willingness or responsiveness, enthusiastic, eager; interested, intense.
What is the meaning of too keen?
1 eager or enthusiastic. 2 postpositive; foll by: on fond (of); devoted (to)
What does it mean to have a keen eye for detail?
◊ If you have an eye for detail or a fine/good/keen eye for detail, you are good at noticing small but important things that other people might not notice.
Is it keener or more keen?
The comparative form of keen; more keen.
Is keen to do something?
keen adjective (EAGER)
very interested, eager, or wanting (to do) something very much: They were very keen to start work as soon as possible.
Does keen mean eager?
eager, anxious, and keen mean having or showing a strong desire or interest. eager is used when there is much enthusiasm and often impatience. … keen is used when there is great interest and readiness to act. The new scouts are keen to learn.
Is keen on informal?
be keen on something (British English informal) (often used in negative statements) to like or enjoy something: I’m not keen on spicy food.
What is the best meaning of keen?
1 : having a fine edge or point : sharp a keen knife. 2 : having or showing mental sharpness a keen observation. 3 : very sensitive (as in seeing, smelling, or hearing) keen eyesight. 4 : full of enthusiasm : eager … everybody was very keen to hear details of what had happened …—
Which preposition is used with keen?
In 10% of cases keen for is used
You can be too keen for the job. They are very keen for this project. Management are keen for the boys to meet before Friday’s gig to stop any confrontation. I like to chat with them all you see, and they were keen for me to stay in the village.
What’s a dull personality?
The definition of dull is someone who is stupid or boring or something that is not shiny or something that is not sharp. … Mentally slow; stupid.
How do you describe a boring person?
Boring people can’t see things from other people’s perspectives. «Boring people are usually those who can’t (or won’t) understand how the conversation is experienced from the other person’s perspective,» says Drew Austin. «The ability to place oneself in another person’s shoes makes someone interesting to talk to.»
What does Snoozer mean?
English Language Learners Definition of snoozer
: something that is dull and boring.