sharp

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Having a thin edge or pointed tip that cuts or pierces easily.

   Grammar: Before a noun or after be/feel; forms sharper/sharpest, with dull or blunt as opposites.

   Patterns

   • a sharp knife
   • sharp teeth
   • sharp edge
   • sharper than something

   Use a sharp knife to slice the tomatoes.

   The pencil needs a sharp point.

   This blade is sharper than the old one.

2. 2adjectivecomparableinformal

   Able to understand quickly and notice small details; mentally quick.

   Grammar: Often before a noun or after look/seem; common in informal praise, with sharper/sharpest.

   Patterns

   • a sharp mind
   • keep sharp
   • sharp as a tack

   She has a sharp eye for mistakes.

   Grandpa is ninety and still sharp.

   The kids were sharp enough to spot the trick.

3. 3adjectivenot comparable

   Sudden, strong, and clear, especially in a way that is felt or noticed.

   Grammar: Common before pain, turn, rise, drop, or contrast; not normally used as more sharp in this sense.

   Patterns

   • a sharp pain
   • a sharp turn
   • a sharp increase
   • a sharp contrast

   A sharp pain shot through his shoulder.

   Prices took a sharp fall in March.

   There is a sharp contrast between the two reports.

4. 4adjectivenot comparable

   Having a strong biting taste or smell, like mature cheese, onions, or vinegar.

   Grammar: Usually before a noun or after taste/smell; intensity is shown with very rather than sharper.

   Patterns

   • a sharp taste
   • a sharp smell
   • sharp cheese

   The salad had a sharp vinegar bite.

   I love the sharp taste of aged cheddar.

   A sharp smell drifted from the lab.

5. 5adjectivebefore a nounmusicspecialist

   In music, higher by one half step than the named note.

   Grammar: Used in fixed note names such as F sharp and C sharp; not usually compared.

   Patterns

   • F sharp
   • C sharp major
   • a sharp note

   The key signature has three sharps, so watch for F sharp.

   She played C sharp instead of C natural.

   The melody rises to a high G sharp.

Word forms

Common combinations

razor-sharp

The barber kept a razor-sharp blade.

a sharp increase

There was a sharp increase in fuel prices.

sharp criticism

The plan drew sharp criticism from teachers.

sharp focus

Keep the subject in sharp focus.

look sharp

You look sharp in that jacket.

Synonyms and how they differ

keen

Keen can mean sharply edged or eager and perceptive; sharp is the everyday word for both a cutting edge and quick thought.

acute

Acute fits pain, senses, or a sudden severe problem; sharp is broader and more common.

abrupt

Abrupt stresses suddenness, as in an abrupt change; sharp can also stress intensity or clarity.

clever

Clever stresses intelligence and skill; sharp stresses speed and noticing details.

Opposites

Word family

sharpen verb

To make or become sharp.

sharply adverb

In a sudden, clear, or severe way.

sharpness noun

The quality of being sharp.

Commonly confused: sharp or sharpen?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “sharp”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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