keen
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.
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. Variations of keen as being "bold" and "strong" show up in other languages, but only English has the meaning of "sharp" — relating to "an edge or blade." Keen has a lot of close — and brutal — synonyms, such as caustic, cutting, piercing, and penetrating. It can also be used as a verb to mean "express grief or pain out loud."
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intense or sharp
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having a sharp cutting edge or point“a keen blade”
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Synonyms:
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sharp
having or made by a thin edge or sharp point; suitable for cutting or piercing
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sharp
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painful as if caused by a sharp instrument
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having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
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synonyms:
acute, discriminating, incisive, knifelike, penetrating, penetrative, piercing, sharp
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perceptive
having the ability to perceive or understand; keen in discernment
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perceptive
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very good
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having or showing great excitement and interest
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synonyms:
enthusiastic
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ardent, warm
characterized by strong enthusiasm
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avid, zealous
marked by active interest and enthusiasm
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crazy, dotty, gaga, wild
intensely enthusiastic about or preoccupied with
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evangelical, evangelistic
marked by ardent or zealous enthusiasm for a cause
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glowing
highly enthusiastic
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gung ho
very enthusiastic and dedicated
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overenthusiastic
unduly enthusiastic
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passionate
having or expressing strong emotions
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spirited
displaying animation, vigor, or liveliness
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Antonyms:
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unenthusiastic
not enthusiastic; lacking excitement or ardor
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cold
feeling or showing no enthusiasm
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half-hearted, halfhearted, lukewarm, tepid
feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm
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passionless
not passionate
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spiritless
lacking ardor or vigor or energy
- show more antonyms...
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ardent, warm
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having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
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anxious, dying
eagerly desirous
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hot
having or showing great eagerness or enthusiasm
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impatient, raring
(usually followed by 'to') full of eagerness
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overeager
excessively eager
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enthusiastic
having or showing great excitement and interest
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Antonyms:
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uneager
lacking interest or spirit or animation
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reluctant
not eager
- show more antonyms...
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anxious, dying
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a funeral lament sung with loud wailing
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express grief verbally
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synonyms:
lament
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type of:
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express emotion, express feelings
give verbal or other expression to one's feelings
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express emotion, express feelings
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