# keenly

/ˈkinɫi/ (US) · /kˈiːnli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/keenly
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

in a way that shows you are very interested, excited, or sharp. You use it when you feel or notice something very strongly.

For teachers: in an intense, sharp, or highly sensitive manner. Often describes the depth of an emotion or the sharpness of a physical sense.

## Examples

- She listened keenly to every word of the story.
- The loss of the local library was keenly felt by the entire community.
- The detective watched the suspect keenly, noting the slight tremor in his hands that betrayed his calm exterior.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb it modifies or the past participle in passive constructions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.