keenly

USAGE SUMMARY

"keenly" is a correctly used word in written English.
It is an adverb which means "in an eager and enthusiastic manner". You can use it to describe how someone is feeling or how they are doing something. For example, "She listened keenly as the teacher described the assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a different type of director Hopcraft sought out the chairman of Oldham Athletic whom he described as "one of the new breed of postwar tycoons, impatient with established practice, keenly aware of his own acumen, bold in scope".

The Guardian

The Guardian's chief football correspondent Daniel Taylor was highly commended in the keenly contested new football writer of the year category, as was chief sports correspondent Owen Gibson in the investigative sports writer section.

The Guardian - Sport

But the report had been keenly awaited for another reason.

The Economist

The industry is keenly watching to see what impact these commercial producers will have on Aunty.

The Guardian

Any reduction in visitor numbers to a region that generates AUS$6bn a year from tourists would also be keenly felt by local businesses and the Australian economy at large.

The Guardian

His predecessor as leader, Paddy Ashdown, told the BBC that the party would feel the loss of his influence very keenly.

The Guardian

It will be watched keenly, by the Tories and their media allies, and by the Nationalists and their media friends, both hoping the contest will bring Labour into disrepute.

The Guardian - Opinion

Click here to watch video If there is an LA influence, it is most keenly felt in the content of their new album, AM.

The Guardian - Music

But then, in moments of horrifying lucidity, I remember my own pre-internet teen years and I realise all too keenly that regardless of where you are, adolescence is, for the majority, about experimenting and taking risks.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I've discussed this proposal with Adam Giles, who tells me he's been approached by a number of elders who, like himself, are keenly supportive of the proposal".

The Guardian

All three were keenly interested in the countryside, although it was not the first claim on their attention in adult life.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keenly" to emphasize the intensity or enthusiasm with which someone observes, feels, or acts. For example, "She listened keenly to the speaker's message", highlighting her attentiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "keenly" in passive voice constructions where it's unclear who is experiencing the keenness. Instead of saying "The loss was keenly felt", specify who felt the loss keenly, such as "The employees felt the loss keenly."

Linguistic Context

The adverb "keenly" functions to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, expressing the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. As Ludwig AI confirms, this often describes an intense or enthusiastic quality, as shown in examples like "keenly aware" or "keenly interested".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keenly" is a versatile adverb used to express intensity, enthusiasm, or awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, it adds emphasis and is suitable for professional and academic discourse. Related phrases include "eagerly", "intensely", and "sharply". When using "keenly", ensure it's clear who is experiencing the "keen" feeling and avoid using it in overly passive constructions. Remember that while "keenly" implies intensity and awareness, "eagerly" focuses more on enthusiastic anticipation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eagerly

Focuses more on anticipation and enthusiasm.

intensely

Emphasizes the degree or strength of feeling.

sharply

Highlights acuteness or sensitivity.

acutely

Suggests a piercing or penetrating awareness.

earnestly

Implies sincerity and serious intent.

passionately

Adds a strong emotional component.

attentively

Focuses on giving careful attention.

perceptively

Highlights insight and understanding.

vigilantly

Emphasizes watchfulness and alertness.

deeply

Implies a profound level of feeling or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "keenly" in a sentence?

You can use "keenly" to describe the way someone experiences something, such as "He was "keenly aware" of the challenges ahead" or "She listened "keenly to" the speaker".

What's a good synonym for "keenly" that I can use?

Alternatives to "keenly" include "eagerly", "intensely", or "sharply", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "keenly felt"?

While grammatically correct, it's often better to specify who is feeling something keenly. For example, instead of "The impact was keenly felt", consider "The community "keenly felt the impact"".

What is the difference between "keenly" and "eagerly"?

"Keenly" implies intensity and awareness, while "eagerly" focuses more on enthusiastic anticipation. For example, you might be "keenly aware" of a problem, but "eagerly await" a solution.