Definition of "keen" in English

adjective

1. (chiefly Commonwealth) 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.
   • I’m keen on you.
   • She’s keen to learn another language.
   • “Do you want to go on holiday with me?” “Yes, I’m keen.”
   • In fact, she doesn't mention the fact that I've obviously been avoiding her, just sounds genuinely thrilled to hear from me, and as soon as I mention getting together she suggests Monday, which is rather keen, even for Portia.

2. Fierce, intense, vehement.

   • This boy has a keen appetite.

3. Having a fine edge or point; sharp.

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

5. Acrimonious, bitter, piercing.

   • keen satire or sarcasm

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

   • a keen wind
   • the cold is very keen
   • Chearful at morn he wakes from ſhort repoſe, / Breaſts the keen air, and carolls as he goes; […]

7. (British) Of prices, extremely low as to be competitive.

8. (US, informal, dated) Marvelous.

   • I just got this peachy keen new dress.

9. (obsolete) Brave, courageous; audacious, bold.

verb

1. (transitive, rare) To make cold, to sharpen.

noun

1. A prolonged wail for a deceased person.

verb

1. (intransitive) To utter a keen.

   • Last night he had put down too much Potheen / (A vulgar blend of Methyl and Benzene) / That, at some Wake, he might the better keen. / (Keen—meaning 'brisk'? Nay, here the Language warps: / 'Tis singing bawdy Ballads to a Corpse.)

2. (transitive) To utter with a loud wailing voice or wordless cry.

3. (transitive) To mourn.