The following text is adapted from Jane Austen’s 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice (public domain).
Elizabeth was keen to hear her sister’s account and could barely wait for her to begin.
As used in the sentence, what does the word “keen” most nearly mean?
For SAT Words in Context questions, always start by ignoring any dictionary meaning you memorized and instead focus on how the word is used in that specific sentence. Identify the part of speech, read a few lines around the word, and restate what the sentence is saying in your own words. Then quickly plug each choice into the sentence and see which one best matches the overall meaning and tone (positive/negative, physical/emotional, formal/informal). Eliminate choices that only fit a different common meaning of the word or that clash with the context, and select the one that sounds natural and preserves the author’s intended idea.
Hints
Examine the full phrase
Focus on the construction “keen to hear,” not on meanings of “keen” that might apply to an edge, sound, or sensation.
Use the clearest context clue
Consider what “could barely wait for her to begin” reveals about Elizabeth’s attitude.
Substitute each choice
Place each option before “to hear” and determine which one naturally conveys Elizabeth’s strong anticipation.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify how the word is used
In the sentence, “keen” appears in the phrase “keen to hear.” It describes Elizabeth’s attitude toward hearing her sister’s account.
Use the context clue
The statement that Elizabeth “could barely wait for her to begin” shows that Elizabeth strongly wants to hear the account. This context establishes a sense of anticipation and enthusiasm.
Test the choices
Substitute each option for “keen” in the phrase:
- “sharp to hear” does not express a strong desire to hear something.
- “bitter to hear” would suggest resentment and does not fit the context.
- “piercing to hear” would suggest an intense sensory quality and does not describe Elizabeth’s desire.
- “eager to hear” naturally expresses that Elizabeth strongly wants her sister to begin.
Select the best meaning
The context shows that Elizabeth is enthusiastic and can hardly wait to hear the account. Therefore, the best answer is D) Eager.