Meaning
Keen is an adjective that means showing eagerness, enthusiasm, or intense interest. It can also describe sharpness (of senses, intelligence, or tools).
Grammar and Usage
- keen on + noun/verb-ing → to be very interested in something. She is keen on playing tennis.
- keen to + verb → eager to do something. He is keen to start his new job.
- keen + sense/ability → describing sharpness. She has a keen eye for detail.
Part of speech: Adjective. Can be used both for enthusiasm and sharpness.
Common Phrases
- keen on sports
- keen to learn
- keen interest
- keen sense of smell
- keen competition
Collocations
- keen interest
- keen observer
- keen sense
- keen to succeed
- keen awareness
Examples
- She is keen on learning new languages.
- He was very keen to join the football team.
- The detective has a keen eye for small details.
- I’m not really keen on horror movies.
- The company showed a keen interest in the new technology.
- His keen sense of smell helped him detect the fire early.
- Students are keen to participate in the project.
- There is keen competition for this position.
Synonyms or Related
- eager
- enthusiastic
- passionate
- sharp
- intense
Antonym
- indifferent
- apathetic
- dull