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Definition of keenness

keenness

/ˈkiːn.nəs/
keen · ness
Adverb:keenly
•
Adjective:keen
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keenness Lexical Profile

keenness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality of being eager, enthusiastic, or ardent in pursuing an activity or goal.

Example

"The new interns showed a remarkable keenness to learn every aspect of the publishing business."

2

Sharpness or quickness of mind, perception, or the physical senses.

Example

"An owl relies on the extraordinary keenness of its hearing to locate prey in total darkness."

3

The quality of having a finely honed, sharp cutting edge or point, or a piercing intensity (such as of cold or wind).

Example

"The keenness of the winter wind made our faces sting as we crossed the open moor."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for keenness

• Rhymes for keenness

• Nearby Words

keener
keening
keenly
keenness
keep
keepable
keeper

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English cēnnes, derived from the adjective cēne ('bold, fierce, clever, sharp') combined with the abstract noun suffix -nes.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Keenness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 2, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/keenness
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