keen-sighted

USAGE SUMMARY

"keen-sighted" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who has sharp vision or is perceptive. Example: "The detective was keen-sighted, noticing details others overlooked." Alternative expressions include "sharp-eyed" and "observant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Irish wolfhound, tallest of all dog breeds, a keen-sighted hound used in Ireland for many years to hunt wolves and other game.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No visitor to North Korea, however keen-sighted, will glimpse a trace of its gulags but they have never been a complete mystery.

The Guardian - Books

Graceful, keen-sighted, and generally hardy, it is a slender, greyhoundlike dog with long ears and a silky coat; in one variety the hair is longer on the ears, legs, and tail.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During calm water lulls, the keen-sighted might also clap eyes on any of the park's 160 bird species, including the golden eagle and peregrin falcon.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She has found that the students were keen to participate in the lessons alongside up to 15 sighted learners, but also that the changes she made to her teaching and classroom management benefitted the whole class.

The Guardian

True, but short-sighted.

The Economist

This is short-sighted.

The Economist

Or the short-sighted?

The Economist

Tempting, but short-sighted.

The Economist

It's short-sighted.

The Guardian

Voters are short-sighted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the hyphen is included to link the two parts of the compound adjective when it appears before the noun it modifies.

Common error

While "keen-sighted" can be used figuratively, do not confuse it with "far-sighted". Use "keen-sighted" for immediate visual or mental sharpness and "far-sighted" for long-term planning or physical hyperopia.

Linguistic Context

In English grammar, "keen-sighted" functions as a compound adjective. It is formed by the adjective 'keen' (meaning sharp or intense) and the past participle 'sighted'. Based on Ludwig AI data, it is used to modify nouns to indicate superior visual or mental acuity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "keen-sighted" is a highly effective compound adjective used to denote exceptional visual or mental clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and sophisticated term, primarily found in authoritative sources like The Economist and The New York Times. While its frequency is lower compared to simpler adjectives, it carries a weight of precision that makes it ideal for formal writing, scientific descriptions and nuanced journalism. Writers should remember to use the hyphen and can confidently substitute it with phrases like "sharp-eyed" or "eagle-eyed" depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp-eyed

Functions as a direct synonym for having excellent vision or being observant.

eagle-eyed

Uses a common idiom to emphasize an exceptionally high level of detail-oriented observation.

clear-sighted

Often leans toward being mentally sharp or unbiased rather than just having good physical vision.

hawk-eyed

Focuses on intense and predatory observation, similar to eagle-eyed.

perceptive

Moves away from the sensory 'sight' aspect and focuses on the cognitive ability to understand.

observant

A more general term for someone who pays close attention to their surroundings.

discerning

Implies a higher level of judgment and the ability to distinguish subtle differences.

acute

Often describes the sharpness of senses in a more technical or biological register.

insightful

Specifically refers to the mental capacity to see into the heart of a matter.

vigilant

Adds a layer of being watchful for danger or specific events.

FAQs

How do I use "keen-sighted" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe anyone with sharp vision, such as "The "keen-sighted" scout spotted the movement in the trees from miles away."

What is the difference between "keen-sighted" and "sharp-eyed"?

Both are largely interchangeable, but "sharp-eyed" is more common in casual conversation, while "keen-sighted" appears more frequently in formal or scientific descriptions.

Is "keen-sighted" hyphenated?

Yes, it is standard practice to use a hyphen for this compound adjective to ensure clarity for the reader.

Can "keen-sighted" be used for mental traits?

Yes, it is often used figuratively to describe someone who is "perceptive" or "discerning" about complex situations.