Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Having a thin edge or fine point capable of cutting or piercing: Describes an object designed to or capable of easily penetrating or slicing.
   • Abrupt and sudden: Describes a change that is very quick and distinct.
   • Clearly defined or distinct: Describes something with clear outlines or a clear sound.
   • Keenly perceptive or intelligent: Describes a person who is mentally quick, observant, or shrewd.
   • Harsh or severe: Describes criticism, pain, or weather that is intense and biting.
   • Acute in taste or smell: Describes a strong, often pungent or acidic flavor or odor.
   • Raised in pitch by a semitone: In music, describes a note that is one half-step higher than the natural note.

2. Noun:

   • A musical symbol (#): A sign placed before a note to raise its pitch by a half step.
   • A long, thin sewing needle: A needle with a very fine, pointed end.

3. Adverb:

   • Precisely or exactly: Used to indicate an exact point in time.
   • Suddenly and abruptly: Describes a change in direction that is quick and angular.
   • At a higher pitch: In music, describes singing or playing above the correct pitch.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Be careful with that sharp knife. (It has a thin cutting edge.)
  • There was a sharp decline in sales this quarter. (The drop was sudden and significant.)
  • The photograph was in sharp focus. (The image was very clear.)
  • She has a sharp mind for business. (She is intelligent and perceptive.)
  • He felt a sharp pain in his side. (The pain was sudden and intense.)
  • The cheese has a sharp flavor. (The taste is strong and pungent.)
  • The key of F sharp is challenging for beginners. (The note F is raised by a semitone.)

• Noun:

  • The score has a sharp on the F note. (The musical symbol # modifies the F note.)
  • She threaded the sharp to mend the seam. (She used a fine-pointed sewing needle.)

• Adverb:

  • The meeting starts at 9 o'clock sharp. (The meeting starts exactly at 9:00.)
  • The car turned sharp right at the corner. (The turn was sudden and at a tight angle.)
  • The violinist played sharp during the solo. (The notes were played slightly above the correct pitch.)

Advanced Usage

• "Look sharp!": An imperative phrase meaning to be quick, alert, or to hurry up.
  • Look sharp! The boss is coming.
• "Sharp practice": Refers to dishonest or barely legal business dealings.
  • The company was accused of sharp practice in its contracts.
• "Sharp as a tack": An idiom describing someone who is very intelligent or quick-witted.
  • Even at ninety, her mind is as sharp as a tack.

Variants and Related Words

• Sharpen (verb): To make something sharp or sharper.
  • He needed to sharpen the pencil.
• Sharply (adverb): In a sharp manner (e.g., , ).
• Sharpness (noun): The quality or degree of being sharp.
  • The sharpness of the image was impressive.

Synonyms

• Adjective (cutting): Keen, edged, pointed.
• Adjective (sudden): Abrupt, precipitous, steep.
• Adjective (intelligent): Astute, shrewd, perceptive, acute.
• Adjective (severe): Biting, cutting, harsh, acerbic.
• Adverb (exactly): Precisely, exactly, on the dot.

Antonyms

• Adjective (cutting): Dull, blunt, rounded.
• Adjective (sudden): Gradual, gentle.
• Adjective (intelligent): Dull, obtuse, slow.
• Adjective (severe): Mild, gentle, kind.
• Adverb (exactly): Approximately, roughly.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Sharp tongue": A tendency to speak in a harsh or critical way.
  • She's known for her sharp tongue.
• "At the sharp end": Involved in the most difficult or demanding part of an activity.
  • Nurses are at the sharp end of patient care.
• "Keep a sharp lookout": To watch carefully and vigilantly.
  • The guard was told to keep a sharp lookout for intruders.

Adjective

1. quick and forceful
   • a sharp blow
2. very sudden and in great amount or degree
   • a sharp drop in the stock market
3. (of a musical note) raised in pitch by one chromatic semitone
   • C sharp
4. having or made by a thin edge or sharp point; suitable for cutting or piercing
   • a sharp knife
   • a pencil with a sharp point
5. keenly and painfully felt; as if caused by a sharp edge or point
   • a sharp pain
   • sharp winds
6. extremely steep
   • an abrupt canyon
   • the precipitous rapids of the upper river
   • the precipitous hills of Chinese paintings
   • a sharp drop
7. having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones
   • a shrill whistle
   • a shrill gaiety
8. harsh
   • sharp criticism
   • a sharp-worded exchange
   • a tart remark
9. marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
   • a smart businessman
   • an astute tenant always reads the small print in a lease
   • he was too shrewd to go along with them on a road that could lead only to their overthrow
10. having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
    • an acute observer of politics and politicians
    • incisive comments
    • icy knifelike reasoning
    • as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang
    • penetrating insight
    • frequent penetrative observations
11. ending in a sharp point
12. (of something seen or heard) clearly defined
    • a sharp photographic image
    • the sharp crack of a twig
    • the crisp snap of dry leaves underfoot

Noun

1. a long thin sewing needle with a sharp point
2. a musical notation indicating one half step higher than the note named

Adverb

1. changing suddenly in direction and degree
   • the road twists sharply after the light
   • turn sharp left here
   • the visor was acutely peaked
   • her shoes had acutely pointed toes