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 aof a tone : raised a half step in pitch b: higher than the proper pitch c: major, augmented —used of an interval in music8: 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>.