What does “keen” mean?
- 1
adjectiveeager and very interested in doing something
She’s keen to start her new job.
- 2
adjectivestrong, sharp or highly developed, such as senses or interest
Dogs have a keen sense of smell.
Keen at a glance
- Part of speech
- adjective
- CEFR level
- B2 (upper intermediate)
- Pronunciation
- /kin/ · KEEN
How to use “keen” correctly
“Keen on” (= liking) is more British; Americans often say “into” or “excited about”. “Not keen on” politely means you don’t like it.
Common phrases with “keen”
- keen to do
- keen on sth
- keen interest
- keen eye
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- eager
- enthusiastic
- sharp
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
- reluctant
Word family
- keenly
- keenness
“keen” is on these word lists
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