keen

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   having a sharp cutting edge or point

   a keen blade

2. 2
   adj

   Often with a prepositional phrase, or with to and an infinitive: showing a quick and ardent responsiveness or willingness; eager, enthusiastic, interested.

   I’m keen on computers.

3. 3
   adj

   Fierce, intense, vehement.

   This boy has a keen appetite.

4. 4
   adj

   Having a fine edge or point; sharp.

   The tongues of mocking wenches are as keen As is the Razors edge, inuisible: […]

5. 5
   adj

   Acute of mind, having or expressing mental acuteness; penetrating, sharp.

   For when we rage, aduiſe is often ſeene By blunting vs to make our wits more keene.

6. 6
   adj

   Acrimonious, bitter, piercing.

   keen satire or sarcasm

7. 7
   adj

   Of cold, wind, etc.: cutting, penetrating, piercing, sharp.

   a keen wind

8. 8
   adj

   Marvelous.

   I just got this peachy keen new dress.

Etymology

From Middle English kene (“bold, brave, sharp”), from Old English cēne (“keen, fierce, bold, brave, warlike, powerful; learned, clever, wise”), from Proto-Germanic *kōniz (“knowledgeable, skilful, experienced, clever, capable”), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- (“to know”). Cognate with Danish køn (“handsome, pretty”), Dutch kien (“smart, wise, able”), koen (“daring, valiant, doughty, courageous”), German kühn (“bold, daring, audacious, hardy, valiant, venturesome”), Icelandic kænn (“wise, crafty, clever, able”), Faroese kønur (“expert (in, on), experienced, skilful, able, capable”), Scots kee…