Keen vs. avid: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Keen can also refer to being sharp or highly developed, such as a keen sense of smell, whereas avid specifically denotes eagerness or intense interest. Keen is often used to describe a person’s interest, ability, or attitude, while avid is typically used for hobbies or activities.
What they have in common
Both keen and avid describe a strong interest or enthusiasm for something.
Examples
keen
- She has a keen interest in photography.
- He is keen to start the new project.
- The dog has a keen sense of smell.
avid
- He is an avid reader of science fiction.
- She is an avid supporter of the local football team.
- They are avid collectors of rare stamps.
Which one is more common?
Spotted a mistake in this article? Tell us