keenly

[keen-lee]

adverb

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. with strong or intense emotion or desire; eagerly.

   We committee members are keenly interested in addressing these important issues head-on.

4. in a sharply focused way; intently.

   Participants listened keenly to the training presentation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of keenly¹

First recorded before 1000; keen ¹ ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

Still, the women said, they are keenly aware that their beloved city has a negative reputation nationally.

From Los Angeles Times

"At a time when some countries are turning inward and excluding international talent, China has keenly seized this important opportunity and promptly introduced relevant policies," the People's Daily commentary reads.

From BBC

"When I look at Victor, Christina and Jeremy, they want to go do this mission, they are keenly driven, they are humble to a fault. It is so cool to be around them".

From BBC

So once the dust from his unlikely comeback settles, the nation will be watching, keenly, to see if he makes good on his pledge to take them back to better times.

From BBC

Thousands of people queued outside polling stations on Tuesday to vote for a president, MPs and local councillors, keenly hoping to effect change in a country swamped by economic troubles.

From BBC

Related Words

• ably 
• adroitly 
• artfully www.thesaurus.com
• carefully 
• cleverly www.thesaurus.com
• coolly www.thesaurus.com
• deftly 
• deliberately 
• intelligently www.thesaurus.com
• judiciously 
• knowingly www.thesaurus.com
• skillfully www.thesaurus.com
• slyly 
• smartly