Sharper: meaning, definitions and examples

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sharper

[ˈʃɑːpər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

mind

Having or showing quick intelligence or ready mental capability.

Synonyms

astute, clever, intelligent, quick-witted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sharper	Repeated term: See the context and examples under 'sharper' above.
clever	A general term for someone who is quick to learn and understand things. It can sometimes imply being deceptively smart. She came up with a clever way to solve the problem. He's clever enough to outsmart anyone in his class.
intelligent	A neutral and formal term used to describe someone who has a high level of mental ability and knowledge. She is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. His intelligent questions impressed the interviewers.
astute	Used to describe someone who is very clever and able to understand situations or people very well. It often implies wisdom and shrewdness. Her astute analysis of the market trends saved the company millions. He is an astute observer of human behavior.
quick-witted	Used to describe someone who can think and respond very quickly, especially in conversations or situations that require quick decisions. He always has a quick-witted reply to any comment. In fast-paced debates, her quick-witted nature is an advantage.

Examples of usage

He was known for his sharper mind and quick wit.
Her sharper understanding of the situation helped her make better decisions.
The sharper students in the class excelled in problem-solving tasks.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

image

Having clear, distinct outlines or edges.

Synonyms

clear, crisp, defined, distinct.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sharper	Usually refers to an image or sound that is very clear and has fine details. It can also describe someone's mind or skills as being very quick and perceptive. The new TV shows a much sharper picture than the old one. She has a sharper mind than most of her classmates.
clear	Used to describe something that is easy to see, hear, understand, or comprehend. Often used in everyday situations. The instructions need to be clear so that everyone can understand them. The sky was clear, without a cloud in sight.
distinct	Use this word when referring to something that is clearly different or separate from others. It often emphasizes the uniqueness of an object or idea. The two languages are quite distinct from each other. She has a distinct style of her own.
crisp	Often describes an image, sound, or air that is fresh, clean, and clear. It can also describe food that is firm and makes a cracking sound when eaten. The photograph has a crisp quality that makes every detail stand out. I love apples when they are fresh and crisp.
defined	Best used to describe something that has clear and distinct edges or boundaries. It can also refer to concepts or ideas that are clearly explained. His muscles were well defined after months of hard training. The goals of the project need to be clearly defined.

Examples of usage

The sharper focus of the camera captured every detail in the image.
The painter used a sharper brush to create defined lines in the artwork.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

tool

A tool used for sharpening objects, such as knives or pencils.

Synonyms

grinder, honing tool, sharpener.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sharper	Typically used to describe a person who is clever or crafty, sometimes with a negative connotation implying deceitfulness or trickery. It could also refer to someone who sharpens things, though this is less common. That card player is a real sharper; he always wins in dubious ways. He worked as a knife sharper at the factory.
sharpener	Refers to a device or implement used to make something sharp, generally used in everyday contexts. This word is most commonly associated with pencil sharpeners, though it can apply to other instruments as well. I need a pencil sharpener for my drawing class. The kitchen sharpener is handy for keeping the knives in shape.
grinder	Used to describe a machine or tool that grinds things into smaller pieces, or someone who grinds. Commonly used in contexts like cooking, metalwork, or even gaming. I need a coffee grinder to make fresh coffee every morning. The metalworker used a grinder to smooth the edges of the steel plate.
honing tool	Specifically refers to a tool used to sharpen or refine the edge of blades or cutting instruments. This term is mainly used in professional or technical contexts. The chef used a honing tool to keep his knives in perfect condition. A honing tool is essential for maintaining the precision of the surgical instruments.

Examples of usage

She used a sharper to sharpen her pencil before the exam.
The chef always keeps a sharp sharper in the kitchen for his knives.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'sharp' comes from the Old English 'scearp', which means 'keen or cutting'.
Adding '-er' is a common way to show comparison in English, indicating more of a quality, like in 'faster' or 'taller'.
In many languages, similar roots for sharp signify something that is pointy or of high quality.

Science

In physics, a sharper edge or point can concentrate pressure and can cut through materials more effectively.
Sharpness in tools is critical for performance and is a property in materials science for creating better cutting tools.
Studies have shown that sharper blades require less force to cut through materials than dull ones, leading to safer use.

Psychology

People often describe intellectually 'sharper' individuals as being more alert, leading to better problem-solving skills.
Cognitive sharpness can be affected by mental exercises, sleep quality, and nutrition, demonstrating the connection between mind and environment.
In debates, sharper arguments tend to be more convincing, showing how presentation matters just as much as content.

Art

In photography, sharper images are often more visually appealing, highlighting details and textures, creating a vivid experience.
Artists may use sharper contrast in paintings to draw the viewer's attention, emphasizing certain elements over others.
Sculptors often focus on sharp edges to create dynamic shapes that play with light and shadow, giving depth to their work.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'sharp-dressed man' refers to someone who dresses well, indicating that appearance can reflect intelligence or style.
In movies, characters showcasing sharp wit often steal scenes, highlighting clever or humorous dialogue as key storytelling elements.
Several popular songs use 'sharp' to signify intensity or high energy, emphasizing emotional expression through sound.

Translations

Translations of the word "sharper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais afiado

🇮🇳 अधिक तेज

🇩🇪 schärfer

🇮🇩 lebih tajam

🇺🇦 гостріший

🇵🇱 ostrzejszy

🇯🇵 より鋭い

🇫🇷 plus tranchant

🇪🇸 más afilado

🇹🇷 daha keskin

🇰🇷 더 날카로운

🇸🇦 أكثر حدة

🇨🇿 ostřejší

🇸🇰 ostrejší

🇨🇳 更锋利

🇸🇮 ostrejši

🇮🇸 beittari

🇰🇿 өткірірек

🇬🇪 უფრო მკვეთრი

🇦🇿 daha kəskin

🇲🇽 más afilado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,968, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13965 sullen
13966 repudiated
13967 researched
13968 sharper
13969 erased
13970 airs
13971 logo
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