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单词 keen
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keenn.

Brit. /kiːn/, U.S. /kin/, Irish English /kiːn/
Etymology: < Irish caoine /ˈkiːnə/, < caoinim (Old Irish cáinim , cóinim ) I weep, wail, lament; compare keen v.2
An Irish funeral song accompanied with wailing in lamentation for the dead.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > obsequies > formal or ceremonial mourning > [noun] > formal lamentation > dirge
elegy?1521
coronach1559
dirge1568
requiem1578
threne1593
threnos1601
death song1613
monody1623
threnody1634
throb1635
trental1648
lament1698
myriologue1824
keen1830
threnode1858
society > leisure > the arts > music > type of music > vocal music > types of song > [noun] > dirge or lament
threne?a1475
elegy?1521
dumpa1556
coronach1559
dirge1568
requiem1578
threnos1601
planctusa1612
death song1613
monody1623
threnody1634
trental1648
lament1698
myriologue1824
keen1830
planh1843
threnode1858
myrology1892
sorrow song1903
lamento1944
society > leisure > the arts > literature > poetry > poem or piece of poetry > lyric poem > [noun] > lament, elegy, or dirge
threne?a1475
elegy?1521
deploration1537
coronach1559
dirge1568
requiem1578
monodia1594
threnos1601
threnody1634
monody1645
lament1698
caoine1707
whillaloo1790
keen1830
tangi1836
threnode1858
commos1879
1830 Crofton Croker in Fraser's Mag. I. 191 The following Keens..I have translated from the Irish.
1841 S. C. Hall & A. M. Hall Ireland I. 226 The keener having finished a stanza of the keen, sets up the wail.
1895 Q. Rev. Oct. 319 His mother was famed..for her skill in giving the keen.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1901; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

keenadj.adv.

Brit. /kiːn/, U.S. /kin/
Forms: Old English céne, Middle English–1500s kene, Middle English ken, Middle English–1600s keene, (Middle English Scottish keyne, 1500s kein(e), 1600s– keen.
Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Common Germanic: Old English céne = Old Saxon *kōni (Middle Dutch coene, Dutch koen), Middle Low German kône, kœne, Old High German chôni, chuoni (Middle High German küene, German kühn), Old Norse kœnn < Old Germanic *kōnjo-. There are no cognates outside of Germanic.The original meaning is somewhat obscure. The prominent sense in Old English, as in Low and High German, was that of ‘bold, brave,’ but Old Norse kœnn meant only ‘expert, skilful, clever’, a sense also represented in Old English (Old Danish kiön, kön, Old Swedish kön, kyn, ‘bold’, are apparently < Low German, the original Scandinavian sense being found in Old Danish lovkiön ‘learned in the law’.) It has been suggested that the Old Norse sense is the original one, the connecting link with the other being the idea of ‘skilled in war’, ‘expert in battle’ (= Old Norse vígkœnn), but there is no clear evidence of this. The development of the specifically English sense ‘sharp’ is also obscure.
A. adj.
†1. Wise, learned, clever. Obsolete. (Cf. A. 7b.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > [adjective]
keena1000
nimbleOE
wittya1100
smeighc1200
understandingc1200
aperta1330
skillwisea1340
witted1377
intelligiblea1382
well-feelinga1382
knowinga1398
finec1400
large?a1425
well-knowingc1425
of understanding1428
capax1432
sententiousc1440
well-wittedc1450
intellectual?a1475
clean1485
industriousc1487
intellective1509
cleanlyc1540
ingenious?a1560
fine-headed1574
conceited1579
conceitful1594
intelligenced1596
dexter1597
ingenuous1598
intelligent1598
senseful1598
parted1600
thinking1605
dexterical1607
solert1612
apprehensivea1616
dexterous1622
solertic1623
intelligential1646
callent1656
cunning1671
thoughtful1674
perceptive1696
clever1716
uptaking1756
spiritual1807
bright1815
gnostic1819
knowledgeable1825
brainy1845
opulent1851
opening1872
super-cerebral1916
brainiac1976
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > wisdom, sagacity > [adjective]
glewc725
wiselyc900
snoterc950
wiseOE
keena1000
witterc1100
redewisec1225
redefulc1275
well-donec1275
witfulc1275
sage1297
redya1325
heartya1382
prudenta1382
hearteda1425
subtilea1450
sapient1471
Palladian1562
wittiful1590
judicious1591
cordate1651
sophical1739
sophica1773
sapientious1852
unbesotted1875
sapiential1882
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > scholarly knowledge, erudition > [adjective]
yleredc897
keena1000
wisec1000
leredc1154
wittya1225
cunningc1325
taughta1382
clergialc1386
wittilyc1400
philosophicala1425
erudite?a1475
clergyable1488
informeda1500
studieda1513
estudied1550
learned1556
well-read?1576
scholarly1583
scholarlike1588
well-digested1602
literated1611
artificial1618
scienced1636
clerk-like1638
scollardicall1654
philosophic1665
virtuosoa1667
virtuousa1680
doct1694
blue-stockinged1791
bluestocking1793
scholared1830
eruditical1832
a1000 Boeth. Metr. x. 51 Se wæs uðwita ælces þinges cene and cræftig, þæm wæs Caton nama.
a1225 Leg. Kath. 2070 Beo nu ken & cnawes..hu heh & hu hali is þes cristenes godd.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 2488 Þa ælde quene a wifmon wis and kene.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness l. 1575 Þer comen mony Clerkes out of Caldye þat kennest wer knauen.
†2.
a. Brave, bold, valiant, daring. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > courage > daring > [adjective]
keenc897
dearOE
bolda1000
hardyc1225
yepec1275
crousea1400
jeopardousa1513
audacious1550
facing1564
venturous1565
daring1582
daring-hardy1597
audaculous1603
dareful1614
adventuresome1628
outdacious1742
risky1826
plucky1835
plucked1846
racy1901
have-a-go1953
philobatic1955
Boy's Own1967
the mind > emotion > courage > valour > warlike valour > [adjective] > warlike
keenc897
warlike1488
c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care xxxiii. 218 Betra bið se geðyldega wer ðonne se stronga & se kena.
c993 Battle of Maldon 215 Nu mæg cunnian hwa cene sy.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 19962 Godess bode word..to kiþenn forþ. Biforenn kafe. & kene.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 262 He nom his kene men þa to compe weren gode.
a1300 K. Horn 164 Whannes beo ȝe, faire gumes,..Of bodie swiþe kene.
c1386 G. Chaucer Monk's Tale 259 Cenobia..So worthy was in Armes and so keene That no wight passed hire in hardynesse.
c1420 Anturs of Arth. xlvii The knyȝte that was curtase cruail and kene.
1508 W. Dunbar Goldyn Targe (Chepman & Myllar) in Poems (1998) I. 188 Scho bad hir archearis kene Go me arrest.
a1600 A. Montgomerie Misc. Poems xiii. 29 Love maks a couard kene.
†b. As an alliterative epithet of kings or other rulers; hence, Mighty, powerful, strong. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > power > [adjective]
mightyeOE
craftyeOE
richeOE
strongeOE
wieldeOE
mainstrongOE
mightOE
keena1000
mightfullOE
mainfulc1225
reighc1225
starkc1275
boldc1300
fort13..
mightandc1350
strengthya1382
mightifula1400
bigc1400
powerfulc1450
puissant?c1450
mananta1500
mighteousa1500
potenta1500
potential?c1500
vailing1508
forcible1555
potentate1556
swingeing1567
powerable1580
strong-handed1598
strengthful1604
hogen mogen1648
powerlike1657
pollent1660
hogana1672
swayful1767
reverend1826
oomphy1955
kick-ass1977
a1000 Psalm l. (Cott. Vesp. D.vi) 3 David wæs..cyninga cynost, Criste liofost.
a1225 Leg. Kath. 181 Aȝein se kene keisere & al his kineriche.
a1300 K. Horn 507 ‘King,’ he sede, ‘so kene Grante me a bene’.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness l. 1593 ‘Kene kyng,’ quoth þe quene, ‘kayser of vrþe’.
a1510 G. Douglas King Hart i. xviii Harde by this castell of this King so kene.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 1467 To cache a castell þat was kene holdyn.
†c. Fierce, savage (chiefly of beasts); cruel; harsh (to a person). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > by nature > [adjective] > wild or vicious
wildc725
wrothOE
keenOE
ramagec1300
fell?c1335
furiousc1374
fierce1377
ramageousa1398
eagerc1405
savage1447
naughtyc1460
criminal1477
ill1480
shrewd1509
mankind1519
roidc1540
mad1565
horn-mad1579
fierceful1607
man-keen1607
indomite1617
fellish1638
ferocious1646
ferousa1652
ferinea1676
kwaai1827
skelm1827
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > fierceness > [adjective]
grimlyc893
wrothc893
reighOE
grima1000
grillc1175
witherc1175
grimfula1240
sturdy1297
wild1297
fiercea1300
man-keenc1300
stoutc1300
cruelc1330
fell?c1335
wicked1375
felonousc1386
felona1400
cursedc1400
runishc1400
keen?c1425
roid?c1425
wolvishc1430
ranishc1450
malicious1485
mankind1519
mannish1530
lionish1549
truculent?c1550
lion-like1556
tigerish?1573
tiger-like1587
truculental1593
Amazonian1595
tigerous1597
feral1604
fierceful1607
efferous1614
lionly1631
tigerly1633
feroce1641
ferocious1646
asperous1650
ferousa1652
blusterous1663
wolfish1674
boarisha1718
savage-fierce1770
Tartar1809
Tartarly1821
wolfy1828
savagerous1832
hawkish1841
tigery1859
attern1868
Hunnish1915
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > ill-treatment > cruelty > [adjective]
wrothc893
retheeOE
hateleOE
grim971
hardOE
cruel1297
despitousc1374
savagea1393
fadea1400
hetera1400
keen?c1425
vengeablec1430
despiteful1488
unmanfula1500
despiteous?1510
cruent1524
felonish1530
Herodian1581
felly1583
savaged1583
Neronian1598
savagious1605
Dionysian1608
black-blooded1771
atrocious1772
Neroic1851
Neronic1864
OE Exodus 322 Hæfdon him to segne..gyldene leon, drihtfolca mæst, deora cenost.
c1000 Sax. Leechd. I. 372 Se þe hafað hundes heortan mid him, ne beoð ongean hine hundas cene.
1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 1228 Wild bestes..Als lyons, libardes and wolwes kene.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 6715 If his lauerd kneu him kene o horn..Þis ox þan sal be taght to slan.
?c1425 (c1390) G. Chaucer Fortune 27 Whi seysthow thanne y am [to] the so kene Þat hast thy self owt of my gouernaunce.
c1480 (a1400) St. Paul 647 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 47 Nero, þat tyran kene.
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 69 The crewall serpent..The auld kene tegir, with his teith on char.
a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Sea Voy. iii. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Bbbbb/2 I'le make ye..worry one another like keen bandoggs.
†d. Bold, proud, forward, insolent, heinous.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > impudence > [adjective]
thristec897
bolda1000
keen1297
apert1330
smartc1400
malaperta1425
overbolda1425
affronted1485
saucy1511
impertinata1525
over-familiar1529
pert1535
cocket1537
cockapert1556
contumelious1561
impudent1563
brass-bold1582
pertlike1582
paughtya1586
audacious1586
copped1597
effronted1598
petulant1598
dortya1605
rufty-tufty1606
facy1607
snappish1608
bold-faceda1616
over-pert1621
impertinent1631
procacious1660
insolent1678
calleting1691
effrontuousa1734
imperent1771
free1775
sassy1799
pawky1809
iron-sideda1825
gilpie1835
cheeky1838
fresh1843
snouty1858
nebby1873
gay1889
nebsy1894
nervy1896
brass neck1925
facety1928
facey1929
brass-necked1935
chutzpadik1959
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 6471 Me ne dar noȝt esse [= ask] weþer he were kene þo & prout.
a1400–50 Alexander 748 For þi kene carpyng cache now a shame.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 2404 Gude ensampill, men to mene Meke to be, noȝt proude na kene.
1508 W. Kennedy Flyting (Chepman & Myllar) in Poems W. Dunbar (1998) I. 211 And knaw, kene scald, I hald of Alathya.
1567 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. v. 42 For to defend the tratoure kene.
1594 C. Marlowe & T. Nashe Dido v. ii Trait'ress too keend and cursed sorceress!
3.
a. Of weapons, cutting instruments, and the like: Having a very sharp edge or point; able to cut or pierce with ease. Also of an edge or point: Extremely sharp. (Now somewhat rhetorical, except in keen edge, the ordinary word being sharp.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > sharpness of edge or point > [adjective]
sharpc825
bitel?c1200
keena1225
carving?c1225
fellc1330
trenchantc1330
snarpc1480
cuttinga1533
tart?a1534
undullc1540
steel-sharpa1560
teen1578
unrebated1579
unbated1604
biting1607
eager?1611
unblunted1656
shrewd1878
cutty1903
a1225 Juliana 57 Irnene gadien kene to keoruen.
a1225 Leg. Kath. 1952 Þe hweoles beon þurhspitet mid kenre pikes þen eni cnif.
c1385 G. Chaucer Legend Good Women Hypermnestra. 2654 Out he caught a knyfe as A rasour kene.
a1542 T. Wyatt Coll. Poems (1969) lxiv. 6 He drewe his bowe with arrowe sharp and kene.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost i. i. 6 His sythes keene edge. View more context for this quotation
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets xix. sig. B4v Plucke the keene teeth from the fierce Tygers yawes.
1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron II. vi. viii. 29 The keen edge of a Razor.
1752 E. Young Brothers iv. i Like that poor wretch..Who, while in sleep..Draws his keen sword.
1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 374 The keen edge will not be blunted.
figurative.a1380 Virgin Antioch 24 in Horstm. Altengl. Leg. (1878) 26 Stured on..Wiþ twey kene prikkes of couetise.a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) ii. i. 5 Let vs be keene, and rather cut a little Then fall, and bruise to death. View more context for this quotation1713 E. Young Poem on Last Day i. 12 Thou..Hast felt the keenest Edge of mortal Pain.1785 W. Cowper Task iv. 164 Set a keener edge On female industry.a1822 P. B. Shelley Masque of Anarchy (1832) lxxiv. 38 Words Keen to wound as sharpened swords.
b. Of prices: competitive. Cf. quot. 1862 at sense A. 6a, and keenly adv. 6.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > [adjective] > types of price
first costa1641
ruling1657
driveaway1931
off-price1955
keen1964
near-market1967
1964 A. Fiber Independent Retailer v. 55 (heading) Mail order has grown rapidly in recent years... As warehouses and offices are situated in low-rent areas and there is no need of a sales staff, overheads are low. Prices, therefore, are often very keen.
1975 Evening Herald (Dublin) 8 May 13/3 (advt.) Dennis Rent a Car. Keenest rates. New Street, Dublin 8.
4. transferred. Of things, substances, or agencies that affect the senses:
a. Operating on the touch or taste like a sharp instrument; causing pain or smarting; acrid, pungent, stinging. (Now unusual.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > sourness or acidity > [adjective] > pungent
sharpc1000
hotc1175
poignantc1387
keen1398
angryc1400
eager?c1400
tartc1405
argutec1420
mordicative?a1425
mordificative?a1425
piperinea1425
pungitive?a1425
pikea1475
vehement1490
oversharpa1500
over-stronga1500
penetrating?1576
penetrative1578
quick1578
piercing1593
exalted1594
mordicant1603
acute1620
toothed1628
pungent1644
piquant1645
tartarous1655
mordacious1657
piperate1683
peppery1684
tartish1712
hyperoxide1816
snell1835
mordanta1845
shrill1864
piperitious1890
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (Bodl.) xvii. clv. lf. 229 b/2 Þouȝe al þe herbe in substaunce be kene and feruente.
1486 Bk. St. Alban's C vj a Take hony..and a kene nettyll.
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxii For terre of hymselfe is to kene & is a frettar and no heylar.
1614 S. Latham Falconry ii. xl. 138 Take some of the keenest onions you can possiblie get.
1658 in 12th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1890) App. v. 6 The keenest mustard.
1796 J. Morse Amer. Universal Geogr. (new ed.) I. 192 Its fruit small, possessing, perhaps of all vegetables, the keenest acid.
1820 P. B. Shelley Prometheus Unbound i. i. 21 The genii of the storm..afflict me with keen hail.
b. Of cold (†or heat): Piercing, intense. Of wind, air, etc.: Very sharp, biting, piercing.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > wind > [adjective] > cold or keen
keen1340
bleaky1687
scourya1774
naked1822
scything1822
shy1828
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > [adjective] > intense or strong
keen1340
radiant1508
rigorous1630
the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [adjective] > of action: involving or requiring vigour > vigorous or intense in operation
strongeOE
smartc1300
steevec1300
keen1340
piercinga1400
perceantc1400
forta1513
incisive1528
vigorous1548
forcible1555
emphatical1581
searching1590
nervous1616
strenuous1632
arrowy1650
intent1650
urging1658
sinewous1663
emphatic1689
drastic1808
needling1839
shrewd1842
gimlet1894
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > coldness > [adjective] > very intensely cold > of cold: intense
keen1340
fervent1448
rigid1611
freezy1902
1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 3094 Þat fire is hatter and mare kene, Þan al þe fire that here es sene.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 908 But quicliche so kene a cold comes þer-after.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 190 This wind sa keine.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 1066 While the Winds Blow moist and keen . View more context for this quotation
1780 W. Cowper Table Talk 294 Place me where Winter breathes his keenest air.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. iii. 27 The breeze at the summit was exceedingly keen.
c. Of sound, light, scent: Sharp, piercing, penetrating; shrill; vivid; clear; strong.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > unpleasant quality > shrill quality > [adjective]
shillOE
brightOE
shrillc1386
sharp1390
keena1400
shirl1418
piercingc1425
acute1504
shrillish1583
shrilly1594
ear-piercinga1616
sonable1623
oxytonous1653
argute1719
snellc1730
chanticleering1786
criard1840
squealing1879
shrilled1880
bird-high1920
bleaty1925
stainless steel1963
a1400–50 Alexander 1604 Lordis & ladis..Kest vp a kene crie.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 1206 Þe crie wax kene, crusshyng of wepyns.
1602 J. Marston Hist. Antonio & Mellida i. sig. C2 Keene lightning shot Through the black bowels of the quaking ayre.
1820 P. B. Shelley Prometheus Unbound ii. iv. 83 Pain, whose unheeded and familiar speech Is howling, and keen shrieks.
1822 P. B. Shelley Hellas 18 One star..with keen beams, Like arrows through a fainting antelope.
1891 Daily News 6 Nov. 2/6 The scent was so wonderfully keen that they raced two consecutive foxes down.
d. Jolly good, very nice, splendid. colloquial (originally U.S.).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective]
faireOE
bremea1000
goodlyOE
goodfulc1275
noblec1300
pricec1300
specialc1325
gentlec1330
fine?c1335
singulara1340
thrivena1350
thriven and throa1350
gaya1375
properc1380
before-passinga1382
daintiful1393
principala1398
gradelya1400
burlyc1400
daintyc1400
thrivingc1400
voundec1400
virtuousc1425
hathelc1440
curiousc1475
singlerc1500
beautiful1502
rare?a1534
gallant1539
eximious1547
jolly1548
egregious?c1550
jellyc1560
goodlike1562
brawc1565
of worth1576
brave?1577
surprising1580
finger-licking1584
admirablea1586
excellinga1586
ambrosial1598
sublimated1603
excellent1604
valiant1604
fabulous1609
pure1609
starryc1610
topgallant1613
lovely1614
soaringa1616
twanging1616
preclarent1623
primea1637
prestantious1638
splendid1644
sterling1647
licking1648
spankinga1666
rattling1690
tearing1693
famous1695
capital1713
yrare1737
pure and —1742
daisy1757
immense1762
elegant1764
super-extra1774
trimming1778
grand1781
gallows1789
budgeree1793
crack1793
dandy1794
first rate1799
smick-smack1802
severe1805
neat1806
swell1810
stamming1814
divine1818
great1818
slap-up1823
slapping1825
high-grade1826
supernacular1828
heavenly1831
jam-up1832
slick1833
rip-roaring1834
boss1836
lummy1838
flash1840
slap1840
tall1840
high-graded1841
awful1843
way up1843
exalting1844
hot1845
ripsnorting1846
clipping1848
stupendous1848
stunning1849
raving1850
shrewd1851
jammy1853
slashing1854
rip-staving1856
ripping1858
screaming1859
up to dick1863
nifty1865
premier cru1866
slap-bang1866
clinking1868
marvellous1868
rorty1868
terrific1871
spiffing1872
all wool and a yard wide1882
gorgeous1883
nailing1883
stellar1883
gaudy1884
fizzing1885
réussi1885
ding-dong1887
jim-dandy1888
extra-special1889
yum-yum1890
out of sight1891
outasight1893
smooth1893
corking1895
large1895
super1895
hot dog1896
to die for1898
yummy1899
deevy1900
peachy1900
hi1901
v.g.1901
v.h.c.1901
divvy1903
doozy1903
game ball1905
goodo1905
bosker1906
crackerjack1910
smashinga1911
jake1914
keen1914
posh1914
bobby-dazzling1915
juicy1916
pie on1916
jakeloo1919
snodger1919
whizz-bang1920
wicked1920
four-star1921
wow1921
Rolls-Royce1922
whizz-bang1922
wizard1922
barry1923
nummy1923
ripe1923
shrieking1926
crazy1927
righteous1930
marvy1932
cool1933
plenty1933
brahmaa1935
smoking1934
solid1935
mellow1936
groovy1937
tough1937
bottler1938
fantastic1938
readyc1938
ridge1938
super-duper1938
extraordinaire1940
rumpty1940
sharp1940
dodger1941
grouse1941
perfecto1941
pipperoo1945
real gone1946
bosting1947
supersonic1947
whizzo1948
neato1951
peachy-keen1951
ridgey-dite1953
ridgy-didge1953
top1953
whizzing1953
badass1955
wild1955
belting1956
magic1956
bitching1957
swinging1958
ridiculous1959
a treat1959
fab1961
bad-assed1962
uptight1962
diggish1963
cracker1964
marv1964
radical1964
bakgat1965
unreal1965
pearly1966
together1968
safe1970
bad1971
brilliant1971
fabby1971
schmick1972
butt-kicking1973
ripper1973
Tiffany1973
bodacious1976
rad1976
kif1978
awesome1979
death1979
killer1979
fly1980
shiok1980
stonking1980
brill1981
dope1981
to die1982
mint1982
epic1983
kicking1983
fabbo1984
mega1985
ill1986
posho1989
pukka1991
lovely jubbly1992
awesomesauce2001
nang2002
bess2006
amazeballs2009
boasty2009
daebak2009
beaut2013
1914 ‘High Jinks, Jr.’ Choice Slang 14 Keen, excellent... ‘A keen day.’ ‘A keen time.’
1925 College Humor Aug. 76/1 Keen, fine, attractive, splendid.
1940 New Yorker 16 Nov. 19/3 ‘My mother's going to buy me four new dresses.’ ..‘That's keen.’
1948 Cosmopolitan Dec. 162/3 ‘What are you studying at school?’ ‘Journalism.’ ‘That sounds keen,’ said Sally.
1964 Punch 8 July 38/1 It's fab, Henchcliffe, it's gear, moody, groovy, keen and withitly gogo.
1968 N. Fleming Counter Paradise vi. 87 He slowed to a standstill beside the second flag. ‘Keen,’ he said.
5. Of agencies that affect the mind:
a. Of circumstances, thoughts, feelings, etc.: Causing acute pain or deep distress. Also, of pain, grief, etc.: Acute, intense, bitter.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > pain > types of pain > [adjective] > relating to agony or torment > causing agony or torment
sharpc1000
grievousc1290
smartc1300
fellc1330
unsufferablea1340
keena1375
poignantc1390
rending?c1400
furiousc1405
stoutc1425
unbearablec1449
agonizing1570
tormenting1575
cruciable1578
raging1590
tormentuous1597
pungent1598
racking1598
acute1615
wrenching1618
excruciating1664
grinding1681
excruciate1773
discruciating1788
unendurable1801
of bare sufferance1823
perialgic1893
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 616 It komses of a kene þouȝt þat ich haue in hert.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 21492 Þis dome þat was sa kene.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4724 Þe folk mon dei,..þis hunger es sa ken.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ii. l. 298 This cairfull cas so kene.
1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. i. 70 It may be, he retain'd too keen a memory of Those who had..Persecuted him.
1747 T. Gray Ode Eton Coll. 7 Keen Remorse with Blood defil'd.
1865 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend II. iii. xiii. 118 Mr. Tremlow..had betrayed the keenest mental terrors.
b. Of language: Sharp, severe, incisive, cutting.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > vigour or force > [adjective] > incisive
trenchanta1325
eagera1382
keena1400
tuant1672
tranchant1776
incisivea1850
a1400 Pistill of Susan 199 Þe renkes reneyed Þis comeliche accused with wordes wel kene.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) iii. i. 108 Good Father Cardinall, cry thou Amen To my keene curses. View more context for this quotation
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1670 (1955) III. 559 Enjoyning me to make it a little keene, for that the Hollanders had very unhandsomely abused him.
1788 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall l They pointed their keenest satire against a despicable race.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xviii. 120 Keen speeches had been made,..but nothing had been done.
6.
a. Of persons: Eager, ardent, fervid; full of, or manifesting, intense desire, interest, excitement, etc. Also, of desire, feeling, etc.: Intense.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > desire > strong or eager desire > [adjective]
yernc893
oflisteOE
courageousc1290
eager?a1300
greedya1300
keena1375
affectuousa1400
lickerousc1405
appetentc1420
affectual1483
gasping1517
zealous1531
avidious1534
avidous1542
affectivec1550
anxious1570
lickerish1579
solicitous1628
mantling1657
ambitioning1683
urgent1753
avid1769
agasp1800
concernable1886
yearnful1889
yevery1896
the mind > will > wish or inclination > desire > strong or eager desire > [adjective] > eager (of actions or emotions)
keena1375
greedyc1385
pungenta1710
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1011 Þan eiþer hent oþer hastely in armes, & wiþ kene kosses kuþþed hem to-gidere.
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xii. 252 Þough he crye to cryst þanne with kene wille.
1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Fiiv/1 Keene, feruidus.
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iv. ii. 81 A dul fighter and a kene [1623 keene] guest. View more context for this quotation
1715 London Gaz. No. 5383/3 The Courage of the..Troops was never Keener.
1776 A. Smith Inq. Wealth of Nations I. i. i. 11 When he first begins the new work he is seldom very keen and hearty. View more context for this quotation
1827 D. Johnson Sketches Indian Field Sports (ed. 2) 51 The keenest native sportsman I ever met with.
1862 B. Brodie Psychol. Inq. II. ii. 38 In this age of keen competition.
1865 E. B. Tylor Res. Early Hist. Mankind i. 10 They were listened to by high and low with the keenest enjoyment.
1880 J. McCarthy Hist. our Own Times III. xlv. 346 He had a keen interest in some branches of science.
b. Const. about, against, at, for, †of, or with infinitive; also colloquial on (upon): interested in; also, sweet on, in love with.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > amorous love > [adjective]
amorousc1330
in love (with)a1398
in amours1523
passionate1534
browden1597
inamorate1606
enamoureda1631
épris1793
that way1865
kissy1873
pash1920
potty1923
keen1936
a1400–50 Alexander 1892 Corageous & kene ȝoure clere gold to wyn.
?1530 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry (rev. ed.) f. xxixv She wyl not hold to it, except she be kene of horsyng.
1711 E. Budgell Spectator No. 116. ⁋4 Sir Roger is so keen at this Sport.
1714 J. Swift Some Free Thoughts upon Present State Affairs (1741) 12 Men were not so keen upon coming in themselves.
1771 J. Beattie Minstrel: Bk. 1st lx. 31 Still keen to listen and to pry.
1855 C. Kingsley Serm. Times xiii. 217 Religious professors..are just as keen about money.
1874 S. Cox Pilgrim Psalms iii. 67 Who is more keen for gain than the modern Jew?
1889 E. Dowson Let. 15 May (1967) 78 Is there anything you are particularly keen on?
1893 R. L. Stevenson Catriona ix. 97 He was keen to say good-bye to ye.
1897 M. Kingsley Trav. W. Afr. 653 They'll let nature take its course if they don't feel keen on a man surviving.
1936 R. Lehmann Weather in Streets iv. iii. 418 She's attractive, intelligent, amusing—and obviously pretty keen on me, my dear.
1943 C. Bax Time with Gift of Tears xxxix. 226 Maxine urged Guinivere to take Buster Graham more seriously. ‘He's frightfully keen,’ she said, ‘on you.’
7.
a. Of the eyes or eyesight: Sharp, penetrating. Hence, of hearing, smell, or other sense: Acute, highly sensitive. Also of persons or animals: Sharp of (sight, smell, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > acuteness of physical senses > [adjective]
sharpc1000
quick?1526
subtile1565
acute1641
quick-set1653
keenc1720
c1720 J. Gay New Song Similes in Songs Her glance is as the razor keen.
1789 ‘P. Pindar’ Expostulatory Odes i. 5 Hunting, like bloodhounds, with the keenest noses.
1822 W. Hazlitt Table-talk i. ii. 30 Looking through those he saw, till you turned away from the keen glance.
1841 G. P. R. James Brigand xxvi I for one have keener perceptions when an enemy is near.
1866 G. MacDonald Ann. Quiet Neighb. (1878) xxvi. 448 She looked hard at me with her keen gray eyes.
1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues II. 24 Dogs keen of scent and swift of foot.
b. Of persons: Intellectually acute, sharpwitted, shrewd: often with mixture of sense A. 6. Also of the mind or mental operations: Endowed or conducted with great acuteness.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > sharpness, shrewdness, insight > [adjective]
sharpc888
yepec1000
spacka1200
yare-witelc1275
fellc1300
yap13..
seeinga1382
far-castinga1387
sightya1400
perceivinga1425
snellc1425
politic?a1439
quickc1449
pregnant?a1475
pert1484
quick-wittedc1525
apt1535
intelligentc1540
queemc1540
ready-witted1576
political1577
of (a) great, deep, etc., reach1579
conceited1583
perspicuous1584
sharp-witteda1586
shrewd1589
inseeing1590
conceived1596
acute1598
pregnate1598
agile1599
nimble-headed1601
insighted1602
nimble1604
nimble-witted1604
penetrant1605
penetrating1606
spraga1616
acuminous1619
discoursing1625
smart1639
penetrativea1641
sagacious1650
nasute1653
acuminate1654
blunt-sharpa1661
long-headed1665
smoky1688
rapid1693
keen1704
gash1706
snack1710
cute1731
mobile1778
wide awake1785
acuminated1786
quick-minded1789
kicky1790
snap1790
downy1803
snacky1806
unbaffleable1827
varmint1829
needle-sharp1836
nimble-brained1836
incisivea1850
spry1849
fast1850
snappy1871
hard-boiled1884
on the spot1903
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > sharpness, shrewdness, insight > [adjective] > of mind, mental operations: sharp
quickOE
readya1393
piercingc1425
piercive1567
perforating1578
sharp1580
nimble1589
sudden1604
smirk1607
apprehensive1621
emunct1679
arrowing1793
keen1794
thorough-edged1830
fast1850
insightful1907
1704 J. Logan in Mem. Hist. Soc. Pennsylvania (1870) IX. 324 He seems to me one of the keenest men living.
1794 R. J. Sulivan View of Nature II. 75 When the keenest researches are..proceeding in the different parts of the European world.
1807 G. Crabbe Parish Reg. iii, in Poems 115 To this poor Swain a keen Attorney came.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. ii. 246 Nature had given him a keen understanding.
1880 L. Stephen Alexander Pope iv. 102 Her letters are characteristic of the keen woman of the world.
c. Of the face or looks: Suggestive of mental acuteness or sharpness.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > types of face > [adjective]
flatc1400
hardc1400
low-cheeredc1400
large?a1425
ruscledc1440
well-visagedc1440
platter-faced1533
well-faced1534
full-faced1543
fair-faced1553
bright-faceda1560
crab-faced1563
crab-snouted1563
crab-tree-faced1563
long-visaged1584
owlya1586
wainscot-faced1588
flaberkin1592
rough-hewn1593
angel-faced1594
round-faced1594
crab-favoured1596
rugged1596
weasel-faced1596
rough-faced1598
half-faced1600
chitty1601
lenten-faced1604
broad-faced1607
dog-faced1607
weaselled-faced1607
wry-faced1607
maid-faced1610
warp-faced1611
ill-faceda1616
lean-faceda1616
old-faceda1616
moon-faced1619
monkey-faced1620
chitty-face1622
chitty-faceda1627
lean-chapt1629
antic-faced1635
bloat-faced1638
bacon-facea1640
blue-faced1640
hatchet-faced1648
grave1650
lean-jawed1679
smock-faced1684
lean-visaged1686
flaber1687
baby-faced1692
splatter-faced1707
chubby1722
puggy1722
block-faced1751
haggard-looking1756
long-faced1762
haggardly1763
fresh-faced1766
dough-faced1773
pudding-faced1777
baby-featured1780
fat-faced1782
haggard1787
weazen-face1794
keen1798
ferret-like1801
lean-cheeked1812
mulberry-faced1812
open-faced1813
open-countenanced1819
chiselled1821
hatchety1821
misfeatured1822
terse1824
weazen-faced1824
mahogany-faced1825
clock-faced1827
sharp1832
sensual1833
beef-faced1838
weaselly1838
ferret-faced1840
sensuous1843
rat-faced1844
recedent1849
neat-faced1850
cherubimical1854
pinch-faced1859
cherubic1860
frownya1861
receding1866
weak1882
misfeaturing1885
platopic1885
platyopic1885
pro-opic1885
wind-splitting1890
falcon-face1891
blunt-featured1916
bun-faced1927
fish-faced1963
1798 W. Wordsworth Peter Bell i. xxiii His face was keen as is the wind That cuts along the hawthorn-fence.
1894 Punch 106 109 Her hair which so cunningly curled About her keen face.
†B. adv.
= keenly adv. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > intense emotion > [adverb]
deepa1000
inwardlya1000
inlyOE
mortallyc1390
deeplya1400
keena1400
keenlya1400
from the bottom of one's hearta1413
from (also fro) one's heart1477
profoundly1489
from the spleen?a1505
sensibly1577
with sense1578
smartlyc1580
soakingly1593
dearly1604
intimately1637
viscerally1637
exquisitely1678
sensitively1793
exaltedly1855
intensely1860
the mind > emotion > courage > spirit > keenness > [adverb]
keena1400
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > acuteness of physical senses > [adverb]
keenlyc1275
feelinglya1382
quicklyc1392
subtilelyc1450
keen1572
acutely1596
a1400 G. Chaucer Merciles Beaute 3 So woundeth hit through-out my herte kene.
1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 875 Thou art ane Saraȝine..that counteris sa kene.
1575 J. Rolland Treat. Court Venus i. f. 12v Outthrow the hart thay thirll me sa kene.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 588 Hunger and thirst..quick'nd at the scent Of that alluring fruit, urg'd me so keene . View more context for this quotation

Compounds

a. Parasynthetic.
keen-aired adj.
ΚΠ
1730 J. Thomson Autumn in Seasons 146 The winds Blown o'er the keen-air'd mountain by the north.
keen-bladed adj.
ΚΠ
1906 Macmillan's Mag. Apr. 457 An escort of sturdy little Japanese armed with service rifles and the keen-bladed katana.
keen-eared adj.
ΚΠ
1908 E. Wharton Hermit & Wild Woman iv. 25 She was a light sleeper, and keen-eared.
keen-edge adj.
ΚΠ
1895 M. La F. Robbins Alabama Women in Lit. 92 The keen-edge blade of the faithful hoe Dulled on the earth in the long corn row.
keen-edged adj.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > sharp weapon > [adjective]
finec1400
keen-edgeda1616
shrewd1878
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) i. iii. 77 Here is my keene-edg'd Sword. View more context for this quotation
1630 P. Massinger Picture sig. D4 With his keene edgde speare He cut, and Carbonadode 'em.
1829 T. Hook Bank to Barnes 128 Unrivalled in..keen-edged satire.
keen-eyed adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > types of vision > [adjective] > clear- or sharp-sighted
bright-eyeda1393
sightya1400
well-eyeda1425
well-seeing?a1425
eagle-eyeda1475
well-sighteda1529
clear-eyed1530
quick-sighted1542
oculate1549
quick-eyed1561
eyed1563
sharpsighted1571
clear-sighted1586
eagle-sighted1589
lynx-eyed1597
mouse-eyed1599
lycophosed1600
lycophosy1600
right-eyed1600
nimble-eyed1605
perspicacious1616
lyncean1622
piercing-sighted1630
perspicuous1657
sharp-eyed1672
gimlet-eyed1752
keen-eyed1781
keen-sighted1813
hawk-eyed1818
accipitrine1872
accipitral1881
1781 W. Cowper Expostulation 631 The keen-eyed eagle.
1921 W. de la Mare Crossings 27 Firm-lipped, round~browed, keen-eyed.
keen-faced adj.
keen-fanged adj.
keen-nosed adj.
ΚΠ
1797 T. Park Sonnets 72 Keen-nos'd Sancho..foretells a Partridge nigh.
1952 C. Day Lewis tr. Virgil Aeneid iv. 76 Massylian riders galloped behind a keen-nosed pack.
keen-scented adj.
ΚΠ
1887 C. Bowen tr. Virgil Æneid iv in tr. Virgil in Eng. Verse 191 Hounds keen-scented of race.
keen-sighted adj. also keensightedness
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > types of vision > [adjective] > clear- or sharp-sighted
bright-eyeda1393
sightya1400
well-eyeda1425
well-seeing?a1425
eagle-eyeda1475
well-sighteda1529
clear-eyed1530
quick-sighted1542
oculate1549
quick-eyed1561
eyed1563
sharpsighted1571
clear-sighted1586
eagle-sighted1589
lynx-eyed1597
mouse-eyed1599
lycophosed1600
lycophosy1600
right-eyed1600
nimble-eyed1605
perspicacious1616
lyncean1622
piercing-sighted1630
perspicuous1657
sharp-eyed1672
gimlet-eyed1752
keen-eyed1781
keen-sighted1813
hawk-eyed1818
accipitrine1872
accipitral1881
1813 L. Hunt in Examiner 3 May 278/2 His strength, his keensightedness, and his ferocity.
1862 W. Bagehot in National Rev. Jan. 214 If you place the most keen-sighted lady in the midst of the pure futilities..of an aristocracy, she will sink to the level of those elements.
keen-visioned adj.
ΚΠ
1834 J. H. Newman Lyra Apost. xv, in Brit. Mag. Aug. 151 Keen-visioned seer, alone.
keen-witted adj.
ΚΠ
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xvii. 21 Sarcasms..dropped but too easily from the lips of the keenwitted Dorset.
b. Adverbial, with active and passive participles.
(a)
keen-bent adj.
keen-biting adj.
ΚΠ
1757 J. Dyer Fleece ii. 53 Rough winds, Keen-biting on tempestuous hills.
keen-bitten adj.
keen-cut adj.
ΚΠ
1871 F. T. Palgrave Lyrical Poems 114 One keen-cut group..Sophocles could show.
keen-judging adj.
ΚΠ
1819 P. B. Shelley Cenci iv. iv. 76 Your gentleness and patience are no shield For this keen judging world.
keen-piercing adj.
keen-set adj.
ΚΠ
1863 E. C. Gaskell Sylvia's Lovers I. iv. 67 I'm just keen-set for my supper.
(b) Also with adjective.
† keen-cold adj. Obsolete
ΚΠ
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. i. ii. 54 The..keen-cold thicknes of that dampish Cloud.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1901; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

† keenv.1

Etymology: < keen adj.
Obsolete. rare.
transitive. To render keen; to sharpen.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > desire > [verb (transitive)] > stimulate or strengthen (desire)
tickle1548
whetten1582
eneager1594
keen1599
exasperate1850
the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > carry on vigorously [verb (transitive)] > make vigorous or energetic > make more active or intense
sharpa1100
sharpenc1450
acuate1542
whetten1582
keen1599
vigorate1613
edgea1616
exacuatea1637
acute1637
acuminate1784
1599 H. Buttes Dyets Dry Dinner sig. Aa3v Now, lest thou keen thy blunted appetence.
c1689 Popish Pol. Unmaskt 35 in 3rd Coll. Poems (1689) 23/1 You Cow the Bold, and Keen the Cowards heart.
1727 J. Thomson Summer 73 When..Winter keens,..I..linger on the Brink.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1901; most recently modified version published online March 2021).

keenv.2

Brit. /kiːn/, U.S. /kin/, Irish English /kiːn/
Etymology: < Irish caoin- /kiːn/, stem of caoin-im I wail: see keen n.
1. intransitive. To utter the keen, or Irish lamentation for the dead; to wail or lament bitterly.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > lamentation or expression of grief > lamentation or expression of grief for death > express grief for death [verb (intransitive)] > by wailing
wailc1330
keen1786
1786 [implied in: T. Busby Compl. Dict. Music Keeners, the name of the Irish Singing Mourners. (at keener n.1)].
1845 A. M. Hall Whiteboy I. vi. 109 The men..in general suffer the women to ‘keen’ as long as they please.
1853 C. Brontë Villette III. xliv. 349 Peace, peace, Banshee—‘keening’ at every window!
1857 G. A. Lawrence Guy Livingstone xvii. 165 It is the wild Irish women, keening over their dead.
2. transitive. To bewail with Irish wailing.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > lamentation or expression of grief > lamentation or expression of grief for death > lament the death of [verb (transitive)] > by wailing
keen1830
1830 Crofton Croker in Fraser's Mag I. 200 Suppose that I am dead, and you were sent for to keen me..No one would keen you as I would.
3. To utter in a shrill wailing tone.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > cry or shout (loudness) > cry of emotion or pain > [verb (transitive)] > wail or howl
theotenc1175
wailc1330
to howl out1530
behowl1600
yowl1842
keen1893
blart1896
1893 W. R. Le Fanu 70 Years Irish Life 278 The wild, wailing Irish cry, ‘keened’ by many women.
1897 Cornhill Mag. Mar. 339 His witch-like voice keened out, ‘Good God!’ [etc.]

Derivatives

ˈkeening n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > lamentation or expression of grief > lamentation or expression of grief for death > [noun] > by wailing
wailc1540
conclamation1627
keening1876
1876 J. Stainer & W. A. Barrett Dict. Musical Terms 248 When the body was laid down..the keening was suspended.
1892 R. L. Stevenson Across Plains ix. 264 The high voice of keening..strikes in the face of sorrow like a buffet.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1901; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.1830adj.adv.c897v.11599v.21786
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