# keenly

**Pronunciation:** /ˈkiːnli/ · KEEN-lee

**CEFR level:** C1

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a sharp, intense, or eager way.

## Examples

- He felt the criticism keenly.
- The market responded keenly to the news.
- She watched the game keenly, noticing every detail.

## Synonyms

- sharply — Emphasizes a sudden or distinct intensity.
- intensely — Highlights great strength or depth of feeling or effort.
- eagerly — Focuses on strong desire or enthusiasm.
- acutely — Suggests a very precise or sensitive perception of something unpleasant.

## Antonyms

- dully — Lacking sharpness or intensity.
- indifferently — Without interest or concern.

## Common patterns

- keenly aware of — Having a sharp or intense understanding of something. — The team was keenly aware of the need for improvement.
- keenly interested in — Showing a strong desire or enthusiasm for something. — He is keenly interested in learning new languages.
- keenly feel — To experience an emotion or sensation with great intensity. — She keenly felt the sting of betrayal.

## Collocations

- keenly aware — He was keenly aware of the danger.
- keenly interested — She was keenly interested in the project's success.
- keenly feel — They keenly felt the injustice of the situation.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/keenly

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