What does 'keen' mean - is it always about enthusiasm?

What it means: Enthusiastic, eager, or interested. "Keen" is the British English go-to word for showing genuine interest or willingness - "she's very keen on the idea" means she's genuinely excited about it.

Multiple uses:

1. Enthusiastic/eager: "He's really keen to get started."
2. Interested in someone romantically: "I think she's keen on him." (She likes him)
3. Sharp or intense: "A keen eye" (sharp/perceptive). "A keen sense of smell."
4. Price: "Keen pricing" in British business English means competitively low prices. "We can offer you a keen price" = "We'll give you a good deal."

The difference from "enthusiastic": "Keen" often implies eagerness to do something, while "enthusiastic" describes energy and excitement. They overlap significantly.

"Not keen": This is important. "I'm not keen on that idea" is a very British way of expressing strong disapproval without sounding aggressive. It's polite understatement - "not keen" can mean anything from mild preference against to strong dislike.

• "Eager" - often more intense than keen
• "Enthusiastic" - more energetic
• "Into it" - casual American English
• "Up for it" - casual British English

Register: Casual to professional. Works in most contexts. More common in British English.

Tags: British English, adjectives, enthusiasm, interest, everyday English