/ English Dictionary

KEENNESS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Thinness of edge or fineness of point

Synonyms:

keenness; sharpness

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Hypernyms ("keenness" is a kind of...):

configuration; conformation; contour; form; shape (any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline))

Attribute:

sharp (having or made by a thin edge or sharp point; suitable for cutting or piercing)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "keenness"):

acuteness (the quality of having a sharp edge or point)

Derivation:

sharp (ending in a sharp point)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A quick and penetrating intelligence

Example:

I admired the keenness of his mind

Synonyms:

acuity; acuteness; keenness; sharpness

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("keenness" is a kind of...):

intelligence (the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "keenness"):

steel trap (an acute intelligence (an analogy based on the well-known sharpness of steel traps))

Derivation:

keen (having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions)

Sense 3

Meaning:

A positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something

Synonyms:

avidity; avidness; eagerness; keenness

Classified under:

Nouns denoting feelings and emotions

Hypernyms ("keenness" is a kind of...):

enthusiasm (a feeling of excitement)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "keenness"):

ardor; ardour; elan; zeal (a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause))

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