SHARP

Definition of SHARP

SHARP Adjective, Verb and Adverb

Sharp can function as an adjective, verb, or adverb, and it generally refers to something having an edge or point that can cut or pierce, or it can describe something acute, intense, or quick.

SHARP as an adjective

As an adjective, sharp describes objects that have a fine edge or point capable of cutting or piercing. For example, “The knife has a sharp blade,” indicates the knife’s ability to cut effectively. It can also describe a keen intellect, acute senses, or a sudden and intense change. For instance, “She has a sharp mind,” implies that she is very intelligent, and “He made a sharp turn,” indicates a sudden change in direction.

Sensory Descriptions: The term sharp can also describe sensory experiences, such as a pungent taste or smell. For example, “The cheese has a sharp flavor,” means the taste is strong and biting. Additionally, it can refer to a sound that is piercing or high-pitched, like in “The dog’s sharp bark startled everyone.”

Figurative Use: Figuratively, sharp can describe someone who is perceptive or quick-witted. For example, “She is a sharp observer,” means she notices details quickly and accurately. It can also describe a cutting remark, as in, “His sharp comments hurt her feelings,” indicating that the words were harsh and potentially hurtful.

SHARP as a verb

As a verb, sharp means to sharpen or make something more acute or intense. For example, “She sharpened the pencil,” implies making the pencil’s tip pointed. This usage is less common but still relevant in specific contexts.

SHARP as an adverb

Sharp as an Adverb: As an adverb, sharp can mean exactly or precisely, often used in timing. For instance, “The meeting starts at 9:00 sharp,” indicates that the meeting will start precisely at 9:00. It can also describe a sudden or abrupt action, such as, “He turned sharp to the left,” indicating a quick change in direction.

In conclusion, sharp is a versatile word that functions as an adjective, verb, and adverb. As an adjective, it describes objects with a fine edge, acute senses, or sudden changes. As a verb, it means to sharpen something, and as an adverb, it denotes precision in timing or sudden actions. Whether describing physical objects, sensory experiences, or figurative language, sharp remains a widely applicable term in various contexts.

Examples of SHARP in a sentence

SHARP as an adjective in a sentence

  • The chef used a sharp knife to finely chop the vegetables.
  • Her sharp mind quickly grasped the complex concepts presented in the lecture.
  • The sharp scent of citrus filled the room as soon as he peeled the orange.
  • The sharp pain in his leg made him wince with every step.
  • She has a sharp eye for detail, noticing even the smallest imperfections.
  • The sharp decline in sales prompted the company to revise its marketing strategy.
  • The sharp turn in the road caught the driver by surprise.
  • His sharp wit and clever remarks always kept the conversation lively.

SHARP as a verb in a sentence

  • The tailor will sharp the scissors before starting the new project.
  • The woodworker took time to sharp his tools for precision cutting.
  • He needs to sharp the axe before using it to chop wood.
  • The chef asked his assistant to sharp the knives before dinner service.
  • The hunter would sharp his arrows meticulously before a hunt.
  • The gardener would sharp the shears to ensure clean cuts on the hedges.
  • The artist would sharp her pencils before beginning a detailed sketch.
  • It’s essential to sharp the saw blades regularly to maintain their efficiency.

SHARP as an adverb in a sentence

  • She turned sharp left at the end of the street to avoid the traffic.
  • The plane climbed sharp into the sky after takeoff.
  • He spoke sharp to the waiter when his order was wrong.
  • The manager criticized the report sharp, pointing out all the errors.
  • The cat’s claws dug sharp into the scratching post.
  • The car braked sharp to avoid hitting the pedestrian.
  • The temperature dropped sharp as the sun set.
  • She reacted sharp when he mentioned her mistake.

Origin of SHARP

The term sharp traverses the realms of perception, precision, and acuity, embodying qualities of keen edges, acute senses, and clear distinctions. Rooted in Old English and Middle English, it has evolved into an adjective that describes the physical properties of objects, the clarity of sensations, and the acuity of intellect or style.

  • Old English and Middle English Origins: Sharp originates from the Old English word “scearp,” which means “keen” or “cutting,” and the Middle English word “scharp,” maintaining similar meanings. These origins reflect the term’s longstanding association with pointedness and cutting ability.
  • Physical Properties: Sharp describes the physical properties of objects that have fine, thin edges or points capable of cutting, slicing, or piercing. Examples include sharp knives, blades, and tools, which are designed to perform tasks with precision and efficiency.
  • Sensory Perception: Sharp also refers to the clarity and intensity of sensory perceptions, such as sharp sounds, tastes, or smells. It conveys the idea of sensations that are distinct, clear, and easily perceived, often carrying a sense of immediacy or intensity.
  • Intellectual Acuity: In a figurative sense, sharp denotes intellectual acuity, wit, or perceptiveness. It describes individuals who possess keen minds, quick thinking, and the ability to grasp complex concepts or respond cleverly and incisively in conversations or arguments.
  • Clarity and Precision: Sharpness can apply to visual and stylistic clarity, describing images, outlines, or designs that are well-defined and free of blurriness. It also refers to precise and concise communication, where language is clear, direct, and impactful.

Sharp stands as a versatile term encapsulating the essence of keen edges, clear perceptions, and acute intellect. From its linguistic roots in Old and Middle English to its application in describing physical, sensory, and intellectual qualities, the term embodies the multifaceted nature of precision, clarity, and acuity in various contexts.

Synonyms

  • Cutting
  • Piercing
  • Acute
  • Keen
  • Incisive
  • Tart
  • Severe
  • Penetrating

Antonyms

  • Dull
  • Blunt
  • Rounded
  • Mild
  • Soft
  • Gentle
  • Subdued
  • Rounded

Related

  • Pointed
  • Edged
  • Pointy
  • Precision
  • Intense
  • Shrewd
  • Clever
  • Astute

🌐 🇬🇧 SHARP in other languages

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