keen
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,908 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 9,401 times across 155,139 chapters — 0.004% of every word in the library.
What it means
adjective
- having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions also: acute, discriminating, incisive, knifelike, penetrating, penetrative an acute observer of politics and politiciansincisive comments
- intense or sharp also: exquisite suffered exquisite painfelt exquisite pleasure
- very good also: bang-up, bully, corking, cracking, dandy, great he did a bully joba neat sports car
- painful as if caused by a sharp instrument also: cutting, knifelike, piercing, stabbing, lancinate, lancinating a cutting windkeen winds
- having a sharp cutting edge or point a keen blade
noun
- a funeral lament sung with loud wailing
verb
- express grief verbally also: lament we lamented the death of the child
keen in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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To be sure, they have dissembled in their presence; but their perceptions are keen.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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Again Mr. Jacks looked thoughtfully at the keen young face, and his countenance betrayed a troublous mood.
The Crown of Life · George Gissing · Chapter 1
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And naething now to big a new ane O’ foggage green, And bleak December’s winds ensuin’, Baith snell and keen!
Poems Every Child Should Know · Mary E. (Mary Elizabeth) [Editor] Burt · Chapter 1
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And the knowledge that this girl spoke a wondrous truth was now to Jurgen a joy that was keen as pain.
Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice · James Branch Cabell · Chapter 1
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With that, as his own met the keen eyes behind the spectacles, he was aware of a look which startled him.
The Courage of the Commonplace · Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews · Chapter 1