adv

keenly

KEEN-lee

Keenly (adv) means In a sharp, eager, or intense way. Example: “She felt the loss keenly.”

adv

In a sharp, eager, or intense way.

"She felt the loss keenly."

"He watched the negotiations keenly, aware how much was at stake."

How to use keenly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSharply, eagerly, or intensely — the adverb form of "keen".

Common pairings

keenly aware keenly felt watch keenly

Word forms

more keenly comparative, most keenly superlative

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Etymology

From Middle English kenely, kenliche, from Old English cēnlīċe (“keenly, boldly, courageously”), equivalent to keen + -ly. Cognate with Saterland Frisian köinlik (“boldly”), archaic German kühnlich (“bravely”).

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for keenly

evenly openly suddenly heavenly drunkenly mistakenly

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Frequently asked questions

What does “keenly” mean?

The word “keenly” means in a sharp, eager, or intense way. In plain terms, sharply, eagerly, or intensely — the adverb form of "keen".

How do you pronounce “keenly”?

“Keenly” is pronounced KEEN-lee (/ˈkiːnli/ in IPA).

How do you use “keenly” in a sentence?

Here is “keenly” used in a sentence: “She felt the loss keenly.”

What part of speech is “keenly”?

“Keenly” is an adverb.