adv
keenly
KEEN-lee
Keenly (adv) means In a sharp, eager, or intense way. Example: “She felt the loss keenly.”
adv
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishSharply, eagerly, or intensely — the adverb form of "keen".
Common pairings
keenly aware
keenly felt
watch keenly
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more keenly
- Superlative
- most keenly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She felt the loss _____.
Etymology
This word came into English via Middle English kenely and kenliche, which developed from Old English cēnlīċe ("keenly, boldly, courageously"); it can be analysed as keen + -ly. It is cognate with Saterland Frisian köinlik ("boldly") and archaic German kühnlich ("bravely").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for keenly
See all rhymes for keenly →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.
