What is sharp? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of sharp

sharpadjective
sắc, nhọn, bén
/ʃɑːp/

Definition & pronunciation of <b>sharp</b>

Where does the word sharp come from?

The word "sharp" has a fascinating etymology. It originated in Old English as "scārp" or "scarf", meaning "cut" or "edged". This sense of being cut or edged relates to the idea of something being precise, accurate, or pointed. Over time, the meaning of "sharp" evolved to encompass a sense of being able to cut or pierce. For example, a sharp knife was one that could cut through difficult materials. In the 14th century, the term "sharp" also began to be used to describe something that was keen or perceptive, such as a sharp mind or sharp eyesight. In modern English, "sharp" has taken on a range of meanings, including being highly skilled or perceptive, as well as being acutely painful or uncomfortable. Regardless of its meaning, the word "sharp" continues to be an essential part of our language, helping us to describe and navigate the world around us.

Vocabulary summary sharp

type adjective

meaning iron, sharp

example a sharp knife

example a sharp summit

meaning clear, distinct, sharp

example at six o'clock sharp: (at) exactly six o'clock

meaning suddenly

example to turn sharp round

type noun

meaning sharp needle

example a sharp knife

example a sharp summit

meaning (linguistics) deaf consonant

example at six o'clock sharp: (at) exactly six o'clock

meaning (music) sharp note; sharp mark

example to turn sharp round

Example of vocabulary sharpedge/point

having a fine edge or point, especially of something that can cut or make a hole in something

a sharp knife
Toys with sharp edges are not suitable for young children.
sharp teeth
Take a sheet of paper and a sharp pencil.

Example of vocabulary sharprise/drop/change

sudden, rapid and large

a sharp drop in prices
a sharp rise in crime
a sharp increase in unemployment
the sharp decline in the value of the pound against the dollar
He heard a sharp intake of breath.

Example of vocabulary sharpclear/definite

clear and definite

a sharp outline
The photograph is not very sharp (= there are no clear contrasts between areas of light and shade).
She drew a sharp distinction between domestic and international politics.
In sharp contrast to her mood, the clouds were breaking up to reveal a blue sky.
The issue must be brought into sharper focus.

Example of vocabulary sharpmind/eyes

quick to notice or understand things or to react

to have sharp eyes
a girl of sharp intelligence
a sharp sense of humour
He kept a sharp lookout for any strangers.
It was very sharp of you to see that!

Example of vocabulary sharpcritical

critical or severe

sharp criticism
Emma has a sharp tongue (= she often speaks in an unpleasant or unkind way).
He was very sharp with me when I was late.

Example of vocabulary sharpsounds

loud, sudden and often high in tone

She read out the list in sharp, clipped tones.
There was a sharp knock on the door.

Example of vocabulary sharpfeeling

very strong and sudden, often like being cut or badly hurt

He winced as a sharp pain shot through his leg.
Polly felt a sharp pang of jealousy.

Example of vocabulary sharpcurves

changing direction suddenly

a sharp bend in the road
a sharp turn to the left

Example of vocabulary sharptaste/smell

strong and slightly bitter

The cheese has a distinctively sharp taste.

Example of vocabulary sharpfrost/wind

used to describe a very cold or very severe frost or wind

Example of vocabulary sharpclever and dishonest

clever but possibly dishonest

His lawyer's a sharp operator.
The firm had to face some sharp practice from competing companies.

Example of vocabulary sharpclothes

fashionable and new

The consultants were a group of men in sharp suits.
Todd is a sharp dresser.

Example of vocabulary sharpface/features

not full or round in shape

a man with a thin face and sharp features (= a pointed nose and chin)

Example of vocabulary sharpin music

used after the name of a note to mean a note a semitone higher

the Piano Sonata in C sharp minor

above the correct pitch (= how high or low a note sounds)

That note sounded sharp.

Synonyms and related words for sharp

Idioms of vocabulary sharp

not the sharpest knife in the drawer | not the sharpest tool in the box

(informal, humorous)not intelligent

He's not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer, is he?

the sharp end (of something)

(British English, informal)the place or position of greatest difficulty or responsibility

He started work at the sharp end of the business, as a salesman.

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