Sharp Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sharp

[ʃɑːrp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

music

Having a thin edge or a fine point suitable for piercing or cutting.

Synonyms

acute, keen, pointed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sharp	Good for general use when describing something with a fine edge or a sudden, intense feeling or situation. Be careful with that knife; it's very sharp. She felt a sharp pain in her side.
keen	Best when talking about eagerness, enthusiasm, or sharpness of senses or intellect. She has a keen interest in photography. He has a keen sense of smell.
pointed	Often used to describe something that has a literal or figurative tip, or a remark that is direct and cutting. The pencil is pointed. He made a pointed comment about her lateness.
acute	Used to describe severe or intense situations, often medical or intellectual contexts. He was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. The country faces an acute economic problem.

Examples of usage

a sharp knife
the sharp edge of a sword

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

taste

Having an acid taste like lemon or vinegar.

Synonyms

acidic, sour, tart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sharp	Often used to describe a strong and poignant taste, smell, or sound. Can also refer to mental acuity or commentary that is precise and possibly harsh. The cheese has a sharp flavor that tingles the taste buds He gave a sharp reply to the question, indicating his impatience
sour	Commonly used to describe a taste that lacks sweetness, often found in foods like lemons and vinegar. Can also describe a situation, relationship, or mood that has turned unpleasant. The milk has gone sour Their relationship turned sour after the argument
acidic	Typically used to describe a chemical property, often related to foods and drinks that have a low pH. Can also imply a sharp-tasting or sour flavor. In a figurative sense, can describe something caustic or harsh. The wine is too acidic for my taste Her comments were acidic, leaving no doubt about her disapproval
tart	Mostly used to describe a taste that is sharply acidic or sour, yet can still be appealing. It’s often milder than 'sour' and used for certain types of fruits and desserts. The tart flavor of the cranberries was a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the pie She prefers tart apples over sweet ones

Examples of usage

a sharp flavor
the sharp taste of pickles

^{Context #3 | Adverb}

sudden movement

In a sudden or abrupt way.

Synonyms

abruptly, quickly, suddenly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sharp	Used to describe something with clear, defined angles or something that causes a strong, sudden effect; can also refer to punctuality. He took a sharp turn and almost hit the tree. She has a sharp tongue, so be prepared for her comments. The meeting starts at 9:00 sharp.
abruptly	Used when something happens in a very sudden and unexpected way, often interrupting something else. He stopped speaking abruptly when he realized he had offended someone. The power went out abruptly, plunging the room into darkness.
suddenly	Used to indicate that something happens unexpectedly, without warning. Suddenly, the dog started barking for no apparent reason. The car suddenly swerved to avoid hitting the deer.
quickly	Used when something is done in a short amount of time, with emphasis on speed. She quickly finished her homework so she could go out with her friends. They moved quickly to avoid the rain.

Examples of usage

he turned sharply
she stopped sharply

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'sharp'

The word 'sharp' in its various meanings has Old English roots. In the context of music, 'sharp' originated from the musical notation system. In the context of taste, 'sharp' refers to the acidic or sour taste. The adverb form of 'sharp' relates to sudden or abrupt movements. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings and applications.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,321, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2318 dinner
2319 ye
2320 infection
2321 sharp
2322 managed
2323 stability
2324 essentially
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