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Sharpness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sharpness

[หˆสƒษ‘หp.nษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

quality of being sharp

Sharpness is the quality of having a thin edge or point that can cut or pierce something. It can also refer to the quality of being keen or alert in perception or intellect.

Synonyms

acuity, acumen, keenness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sharpness

best used to describe the quality of an object being physically sharp or the clarity of an image or sound

  • The sharpness of the knife made it easy to cut through the meat.
  • The sharpness of the photograph amazed everyone.
keenness

describes the intense eagerness or enthusiasm for something, or sharpness of perception

  • She showed a keenness for learning new languages.
  • His keenness of mind made him an excellent detective.
acuity

typically refers to sharpness or clarity of senses, such as vision or hearing, or intellectual sharpness

  • Visual acuity tends to decline with age.
  • His mental acuity was evident during the debate.
acumen

used to describe someone's keen insight or ability to make good judgments, particularly in business or professional situations

  • Her business acumen helped the company flourish.
  • He is known for his political acumen.

Examples of usage

  • The sharpness of the knife made it easy to slice through the bread.
  • His wit and sharpness of mind impressed everyone at the meeting.
Context #2 | Noun

quality of being clear and distinct

Sharpness can also refer to the quality of being clear, distinct, or vivid in appearance or sound.

Synonyms

clarity, distinctness, precision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sharpness

Describes the quality of being keen or acute, often used for physical attributes such as the edge of a blade or the intensity of an image or sound.

  • The sharpness of the knife made it easy to slice through the bread
  • The sharpness of the photo brought out every detail
clarity

Refers to the quality of being clear and easy to understand, often used for visual, auditory, or conceptual contexts.

  • The clarity of the water in the lake was breathtaking
  • The clarity of his speech ensured everyone understood the instructions
distinctness

Emphasizes the unique or easily recognizable nature of something, making it stand out from others.

  • The distinctness of her voice made it easy to pick out in a crowd
  • The distinctness of the individual notes in the melody was impressive
precision

Focuses on the exactness and accuracy, often used in technical, scientific, or performance-related contexts.

  • The precision of the measurements ensured the experiment's success
  • His precision in playing the piano was remarkable

Examples of usage

  • The sharpness of the image on the new TV was impressive.
  • She could hear the sharpness of his voice in the distance.
Context #3 | Noun

quality of being harsh or critical

In a different context, sharpness can also refer to the quality of being harsh, critical, or cutting in one's words or actions.

Synonyms

acerbity, harshness, severity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sharpness

Can also describe a shrewdness or cleverness in thinking or expression.

  • Her sharpness in negotiations often led to favorable deals
  • The sharpness of his wit made him a popular dinner guest
harshness

Describes something severe, rough, or unpleasant to the senses, similar to strictness or cruelty. Often has a negative connotation.

  • The harshness of the winter weather made travel difficult
  • She was taken aback by the harshness of his words
severity

Used to describe the intensity or seriousness of a situation or condition. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • The severity of the storm caused widespread damage
  • His severity in enforcing the rules ensured that everyone followed them
acerbity

Refers to a bitter, harsh tone or manner, usually in speech or behavior. Often has a negative connotation.

  • His acerbity in criticism left the team feeling demoralized
  • The authorโ€™s acerbity towards modern culture can be felt throughout the book

Examples of usage

  • Her sharpness towards her colleagues often created tension in the workplace.
  • The sharpness of his comments left everyone feeling uncomfortable.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • In visual arts, sharpness in images refers to clarity, making details stand out vividly.
  • Photographers often adjust sharpness in post-processing to enhance the crispness of an image.
  • Sharpness in sculpture can convey a sense of aggression or tension, influencing the viewer's emotional response.

Science

  • In optics, sharpness refers to clarity in images produced by lenses, vital for photography and microscopy.
  • Researchers study the sharpness of blades to improve cutting tools in manufacturing and surgery.
  • Acoustic sharpness relates to how piercing a sound is, helping in the study of auditory perception.

Literature

  • Writers often use sharpness metaphorically to describe characters with quick wit or keen insights.
  • In poetry, sharp imagery can evoke strong emotional reactions, making descriptions more impactful.
  • Some famous literary figures are known for their sharpness of thought, often changing the discourse of their time.

Cognitive Psychology

  • Sharpness of mind refers to the ability to think quickly and clearly, often linked to intelligence.
  • The concept of sharpness can also relate to cognitive biases, influencing decision-making processes.
  • Mentally sharp individuals tend to be better at problem-solving tasks and adapting to new situations.

Origin of 'sharpness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'scearp', which means 'keen or cutting'.
  • It has roots in several Germanic languages, all suggesting a meaning tied to cutting or biting.
  • Throughout history, the concept of 'sharpness' has evolved from physical objects to describe mental acuity.

The word 'sharpness' originates from the Middle English word 'sharpe', which comes from the Old English word 'scearp'. It has evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to keenness, clarity, and harshness. The concept of sharpness has been valued in different contexts throughout history, from the sharpness of a blade to the sharpness of one's intellect or words.

See also: sharp, sharpen, sharpener, sharper, sharpie, sharply, sharpshooter.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,611, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.