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.
Hughes also keenly understood that, because these personalities were so familiar, his characters wouldn’t stand out to viewers unless they pushed their paradigm.
From Salon
Results will be keenly followed back home in Pyongyang, where Lee says both men and women professional athletes are treated with respect.
From Barron's
This also keeps “investors keenly interested to see who her nominations are for the two new BOJ board members,” with an announcement expected today, Masters adds.
This means any delays in getting appointments at local health clinics are keenly felt by patients and it is an issue that has persisted in some areas since the Covid pandemic.
From BBC
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
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.
