Antonyms for keen


Grammar : Adj
Spell : keen
Phonetic Transcription : kin


Definition of keen

Origin :
  • c.1200, from Old English cene "bold brave," later "clever, wise," from Proto-Germanic *kan- "be able to" (see can). Original prehistoric senses seem to have been both "brave" and "skilled;" cognate with Old Norse kænn "skillful, wise," Middle Dutch coene "bold," Dutch koen, Old High German kuon "pugnacious, strong," German kühn "bold, daring." Sense of "eager" is from mid-14c. The meaning "sharp" is peculiar to English: of blades and edges early 13c., of sounds c.1400, of eyesight c.1720. A popular word of approval in teenager and student slang from c.1900.
  • adj enthusiastic
  • adj sharp, piercing
  • adj intelligent
Example sentences :
  • Nor, my dear, does your own mother always escape the keen edge of your vivacity.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • So keen the blade, so soft the touch, the sleeper did not wake!
  • Extract from : « Punchinello, Vol. 1, No. 6, May 7, 1870 » by Various
  • His keen eyes had perceived Mary Turner's graces of form, her loveliness of face.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • She had meant to wait; but, with his keen eyes on her, she could not dissemble.
  • Extract from : « K » by Mary Roberts Rinehart
  • But you would pardon me if you knew how much I have suffered from it, and how keen my remorse has been.
  • Extract from : « The Dream » by Emile Zola
  • This proposition is one of keen interest in connection with aviation.
  • Extract from : « Flying Machines » by W.J. Jackman and Thos. H. Russell
  • That was hardly possible, for Jane had a keen sense of humor.
  • Extract from : « Quaint Courtships » by Various
  • The girl had been listening with keen interest, glancing from one to the other.
  • Extract from : « Green Mansions » by W. H. Hudson
  • It will blunt the keen edge of sorrow, and smooth the asperities of adversity.
  • Extract from : « Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. I » by Francis Augustus Cox
  • It fell as lightning falls, swift, keen, dazzling the eyes of all who watched.
  • Extract from : « Fair Margaret » by H. Rider Haggard

Synonyms for keen

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019