Main Entry: ¹sharp

Pronunciation: \ˈshärp\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English scearp; akin to Old High German scarf sharp and perhaps to Old English scrapian to scrape — more at scrape

Date: before 12th century

1 : adapted to cutting or piercing: as a : having a thin keen edge or fine point b : briskly or bitingly cold : nipping <a sharp wind>
2 a : keen in intellect : quick-witted b : keen in perception : acute <sharp sight> c : keen in attention : vigilant <keep a sharp lookout> d : keen in attention to one's own interest sometimes to the point of being unethical <a sharp trader>; also : corrupt, unethical <sharp business practices>
3 : keen in spirit or action: as a : full of activity or energy : brisk <sharp blows> b : capable of acting or reacting strongly; especially : caustic
4 : severe, harsh: as a : inclined to or marked by irritability or anger <a sharp temper> b : causing intense mental or physical distress <a sharp pain> c : cutting in language or import <a sharp rebuke>
5 : affecting the senses or sense organs intensely: as a (1) : having a strong odor or flavor <sharp cheese> (2) : acrid b : having a strong piercing sound c : having the effect of or involving a sudden brilliant display of light <a sharp flash>
6 a : terminating in a point or edge <sharp features> b : involving an abrupt or marked change especially in direction <a sharp turn> c : clear in outline or detail : distinct <a sharp image> d : set forth with clarity and distinctness <sharp contrast>
7 a of a tone : raised a half step in pitch b : higher than the proper pitch c : major, augmented —used of an interval in music
8 : stylish, dressy

— sharp·ly adverb

— sharp·ness noun

synonyms sharp, keen, acute mean having or showing alert competence and clear understanding. sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness <sharp enough to spot a confidence game>. keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind <a keen observer of the political scene>. acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination <an acute sense of style>.