razor-sharp
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Extremely sharp; as sharp as a razor's cutting edge: Used to describe an object with a very fine, keen edge capable of precise cutting. 2. Extremely acute, perceptive, or incisive: Used figuratively to describe a person's mind, intellect, or senses that are exceptionally quick, clear, and penetrating. 3. Very clearly defined or delineated: Used to describe something with extremely clear, distinct, and precise boundaries or details.
Usage Examples
- Literal sharpness:
- The chef's knife was razor-sharp, slicing through the tomato with no effort.
- He carefully handled the razor-sharp blade of the craft knife.
- Figurative sharpness (mind, senses):
- The detective had a razor-sharp mind, noticing details everyone else missed.
- Her razor-sharp wit made her a formidable debater.
- Clear delineation:
- The telescope provided a razor-sharp image of the lunar surface.
- The shadow cast by the midday sun was razor-sharp.
Advanced Usage
- "razor-sharp focus": Intense and undivided concentration.
- The athlete maintained razor-sharp focus throughout the entire competition.
- "razor-sharp precision": Extreme accuracy and exactness.
- The watchmaker worked with razor-sharp precision.
Variants and Related Words
- Sharp (adj): Having a thin edge or fine point; able to cut or pierce. Also used for quick intelligence or distinct outlines. (A more general term; "razor-sharp" is an intensifier).
- Keen (adj): Sharp; highly developed. Often used for senses (keen eyesight) or intellect (a keen mind).
- Precise (adj): Marked by exactness and accuracy.
Synonyms
- Razor-edged: Having an edge as sharp as a razor.
- Needle-sharp: Extremely sharp, like the point of a needle.
- Incisive: (Figuratively) Intelligently analytical and clear-thinking.
- Acute: (Figuratively) Having or showing a perceptive understanding or insight.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Sharp as a tack: (Idiom) Very intelligent or quick-witted. Similar to the figurative use of "razor-sharp."
- On the cutting edge: (Idiom) At the forefront of progress or development. Shares the metaphor of sharpness for advancement.
Adjective
- as sharp as a razor
- very clearly delineated
- razor-sharp definition