Sharp
/ʃɑːrp/
Definitions
6 meaningsHaving a keen edge or fine point.
/ʃɑːrp/
Having a thin edge or point able to cut or pierce something.
The knife was sharp enough to cut through the tough meat.
💡 Simply: Imagine a knife that can cut things easily, or a pencil with a pointy tip. It's about things that are good at piercing or cutting.
👶 For kids: Like a knife that can cut things, or a pencil that is pointy.
More Examples
He needed a sharp pencil to draw the details.
The shards of glass were dangerously sharp.
How It's Used
"Use a sharp knife to slice the vegetables."
"The axe had a sharp blade."
Having or showing quick intelligence or a ready wit.
/ʃɑːrp/
Having or showing a quick intelligence or a ready wit.
Her sharp wit made everyone laugh.
💡 Simply: Someone who's 'sharp' is like a quick thinker; they understand things quickly and can come up with smart ideas or jokes.
👶 For kids: When someone is smart and quick at thinking.
More Examples
He's known for his sharp insights into the market trends.
A sharp interviewer quickly gets to the point.
How It's Used
"She has a sharp mind and can solve complex problems."
"The detective's sharp observations helped solve the case."
Clearly defined; distinct; clearly delineated.
/ʃɑːrp/
Clearly defined; distinct.
The mountains had sharp outlines against the horizon.
💡 Simply: Think of a picture that is clear and easy to see, or lines that are very clear and not blurry. It's about something that is easy to make out.
👶 For kids: When you can see something really clearly, like when a picture is in focus.
More Examples
The image was sharp, making it easy to see the details.
The change in his mood was sharp and sudden.
How It's Used
"The photograph had a sharp focus."
"She noticed the sharp contrast in the company's finances."
Characterized by a sudden and marked change; abrupt.
/ʃɑːrp/
There was a sharp turn in the road.
💡 Simply: When something changes quickly and suddenly, like if the price of something goes way up or way down. It happens fast!
👶 For kids: When something changes quickly, like when the weather gets cold suddenly.
More Examples
The company suffered a sharp drop in sales.
She felt a sharp pain in her leg.
How It's Used
"A sharp decline in temperature was expected overnight."
"The stock market experienced a sharp correction."
Harsh or severe; characterized by a sudden and marked change; abrupt.
/ʃɑːrp/
Harsh or severe.
The teacher gave him a sharp look for misbehaving.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone speaking in a way that's angry or mean. It's not very kind and might hurt your feelings.
👶 For kids: When someone is mean or says mean things.
More Examples
The critic wrote a sharp review of the movie.
She delivered a sharp response to his accusation.
How It's Used
"He received a sharp rebuke from his boss."
"Her voice was sharp and laced with anger."
At a precise time; exactly.
/ʃɑːrp/
The concert starts at eight o'clock sharp.
💡 Simply: If something is 'sharp' it means exactly on time, like 9:00 AM on the dot, not a minute later or earlier.
👶 For kids: Right at the time, not a little bit late or a little bit early.
More Examples
Be here at 9:00 AM sharp, don't be late.
The clock struck twelve sharp.
How It's Used
"The meeting will begin at 2:00 PM sharp."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
sharp as a tack
Very intelligent and alert; quick-witted.
sharp practice
Deceptive or unethical business practices.
From Middle English "sharp," from Old English "scearp," from Proto-Germanic *skarpaz, meaning "cutting, pointed." Cognate with German "scharf" and Dutch "scherp."
The word "sharp" has been used since the Old English period, initially referring to the physical quality of an object or a person's characteristics and later evolving to also describe a more figurative sense of intelligence, tone, and changes.
Memory tip
Imagine a SHARP knife cutting through paper cleanly.
Word Origin
"cutting, pointed"