keenly
Americanadverb
-
in a way or to a degree that is very sharply or distinctly felt.
As a husband and father, he is keenly aware of the risks inherent in his new construction job.
-
in a way that shows great mental perceptiveness or insight.
He showed foreign policy savvy and an ability to keenly analyze both sides of an issue.
-
with strong or intense emotion or desire; eagerly.
We committee members are keenly interested in addressing these important issues head-on.
-
in a sharply focused way; intently.
Participants listened keenly to the training presentation.
Etymology
Origin of keenly
First recorded before 1000; keen 1 ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I also love that your company values your 45 years and counting of experience, and that you are also keenly aware that you bring those years of experience to every decision you make.
From MarketWatch
She’s keenly aware that her first two films, “Promising Young Woman” and “Saltburn,” were received with as much shock as they were revulsion.
From Salon
He's keenly aware they have families to support and some months at the restaurant are so tight Petrit won't pay himself a wage.
From BBC
The 78-year-old had always lived life to the full, and been keenly involved in aqua-aerobics and dance classes since her retirement as a social worker.
From BBC
They were six now, instead of seven, and all felt this keenly.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
