keen

/kiːn/adjective

Very eager or enthusiastic; also, quick and sharp in noticing things.

Example sentence

“He's always been keen to learn new languages.”

British English uses 'keen on' for liking things ('keen on golf') far more than American English, where the word can sound formal.

Featured as word of the day on May 16, 2026.

Related words

kettleA container, usually made of metal and fitted with a lid, used for boiling water or cooking.kayakingThe sport of paddling a kayak, whether racing or performing tricks.keyboardA panel of keys arranged in rows, used to type on a computer, typewriter, or similar device.kayakA small, narrow boat with a closed deck and an opening for the paddler, who sits inside and moves it with a paddle that has a blade at each end.kidA child or young person; informally, it can also refer to a young adult.karateA martial art from Okinawa based mainly on punches and kicks, though it also includes throws, joint locks, grappling, and other fighting techniques.