keen
0 antonyms and opposites of keen, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Eager and enthusiastic about something.
How to use keen
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English cēne ("bold, sharp, wise"), a Germanic word related to German kühn ("bold") and, further back, to the root of "cunning" and "can".
Full origin of keen →Frequently asked questions
What does “keen” mean?
The word “keen” means eager and enthusiastic about something. In plain terms, eager and enthusiastic, or sharp (in edge, mind, or sensation) — a separate, older sense means to wail in mourning.
How do you pronounce “keen”?
“Keen” is pronounced keen (/kin/ in IPA).
How do you use “keen” in a sentence?
Here is “keen” used in a sentence: “She was keen to start the new job straight away.”
What is another word for “keen”?
Words with a similar meaning to “keen” include penetrating and shrewd.
What part of speech is “keen”?
Depending on how it is used, “keen” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “keen” come from?
The word “keen” comes from Old English. From Old English cēne ("bold, sharp, wise"), a Germanic word related to German kühn ("bold") and, further back, to the root of "cunning" and "can".
Is “keen” a common word?
“Keen” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “keen” have?
“Keen” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: eager and enthusiastic about something.
What is the difference between "keen" and "eager"?
Both mean showing strong interest, but "keen" is especially common in British English and can also mean sharp or perceptive, while "eager" focuses purely on impatient enthusiasm to do something.
Is "keen" more common in British or American English?
In the sense of "eager," "keen" is much more common in British English, where "I'm keen to help" sounds natural. American speakers more often say "eager" or "excited," though the "sharp" senses of keen are used in both.