Sharp Meaning

UK /ʃɑːp/
US /ʃɑːrp/
Word Definition
sharp meaning

Sharp Definition & Usage

adjective

Having a finely honed or pointed edge capable of cutting or piercing.

Examples

  • "Be careful with that sharp knife; it's easy to cut yourself."
  • "She used a sharp pencil to draw fine details on the paper."
  • "The sharp edge of the glass made it dangerous to handle."
  • "He carefully sharpened his axe to ensure it was sharp enough for the job."
  • "The knife is so sharp that it slices through paper effortlessly."
adjective

Mentally alert, quick to understand, and perceptive.

Examples

  • "Her sharp mind allows her to solve complex problems effortlessly."
  • "He made a sharp observation about the company's financial situation."
  • "The detective's sharp intellect helped him solve the case in record time."
  • "You need a sharp eye for detail if you're going to succeed in this job."
  • "His sharp sense of humor made him very popular at parties."
adjective

Piercing, high-pitched, or intense in sound or feeling.

Examples

  • "She heard a sharp noise coming from the kitchen, like glass breaking."
  • "The sharp pain in my knee made it hard to walk."
  • "A sharp cry pierced the night air, waking everyone in the house."
  • "The sharp sting of the cold wind made him pull his scarf tighter."
  • "He felt a sharp pang of guilt after what he had said."
adjective

Clear-cut, distinct, or having clear boundaries.

Examples

  • "The sharp contrast between the dark storm clouds and the bright sunlight was striking."
  • "She wore a sharp red dress that caught everyone’s attention."
  • "His sharp features, including high cheekbones and a strong jawline, made him stand out."
  • "The sharp lines of the modern building contrasted with the surrounding traditional architecture."
  • "The painting had sharp, defined colors that made it look vibrant and modern."
adjective

Sudden or abrupt in direction or movement.

Examples

  • "The car made a sharp turn at the intersection."
  • "She took a sharp left into the alley to avoid the traffic."
  • "A sharp rise in temperature was recorded during the afternoon."
  • "He gave a sharp nod, signaling that it was time to leave."
  • "The athlete made a sharp sprint to the finish line."

Cultural Context

The word 'sharp' has Old English roots, deriving from 'scearp,' which has meant 'pointed' or 'having a keen edge' for centuries. Over time, it evolved to include mental and sensory connotations, which can be seen in its broader modern uses.

The Sharp Edge of the Mind

Story

The Sharp Edge of the Mind

At the heart of the bustling city stood a small, unassuming bakery, where Anna had perfected the art of bread-making. She was known for her sharp intuition when it came to flavors, combining spices and herbs with a precision that impressed even the most discerning customers. One afternoon, a renowned food critic entered, and Anna, sensing the challenge, sharpened her mind as much as her knives. As she sliced through the freshly baked baguette with a sharp blade, she noticed a sharp pain in her wrist—a reminder that even the best can face unexpected obstacles. Despite the discomfort, her sharp focus on the task at hand never wavered. The critic took a bite, and a smile spread across his face as he praised her work. 'Your bread has a sharpness to it—both in flavor and in precision.' Anna nodded, grateful that her sharp skills had paid off yet again.

The Sharp Edge of the Mind