razor
B1neutral
Definition
Meaning
A sharp-edged instrument used for shaving hair, especially facial hair.
Any sharp-edged instrument or tool used for cutting or shaving; something extremely sharp or precise; figuratively, an experience or situation that is mentally or emotionally intense or cutting.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically refers to manual shaving tools (safety razor, straight razor) or electric shavers. The word can also denote sharpness or precision in non-literal contexts (e.g., 'razor-sharp wit').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'razor' for shaving implements. The compound 'razor blade' is slightly more common in British English, while 'razor' alone often suffices in American English for the disposable cartridge type.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Associated with grooming, masculinity, sharpness, danger.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both dialects. Slight UK preference for brand names as generics (e.g., 'Bic razor').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
shave with [a/the] razorcut [object] with [a/the] razor[Adjective] razor (e.g., sharp, electric)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On a razor's edge”
- “Razor-sharp”
- “Take a razor to (something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to products in the grooming/personal care industry (e.g., 'razor and blade business model').
Academic
Used in discussions of technology, design, or metaphorical sharpness (e.g., 'razor-thin margin').
Everyday
Most common context: personal grooming, shaving.
Technical
In manufacturing or security (e.g., 'razor wire', 'laser razor cutting').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He carefully razored off his sideburns.
- The document was razored into strips for security.
American English
- She razored the tag off the mattress.
- He razored through the red tape to get approval.
adjective
British English
- She has a razor-sharp intellect.
- They faced a razor-thin majority in the vote.
American English
- He made a razor-sharp turn into the alley.
- The candidate won by a razor-thin margin.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need to buy a new razor.
- He cut his face with the razor.
- My electric razor needs charging.
- Be careful not to drop the razor blade.
- The political situation was balanced on a razor's edge.
- He expertly razored the damaged section from the canvas.
- The company's success hinged on the classic razor-and-blades revenue model.
- Her critique was delivered with razor-like precision.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'Z' in 'razor' looking like the jagged teeth of a blade.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHARPNESS IS INTELLIGENCE/PRECISION (e.g., razor-sharp mind).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как 'бритва' в контексте 'razor wire' (колючая проволока).
- Не использовать 'razor' для канцелярского ножа (стандартный перевод 'blade' или 'cutter').
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect plural: 'razors' (correct), not 'razor'.
- Confusing 'razor' (tool) with 'shave' (action).
- Misspelling as 'raser'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'razor' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common for facial shaving, razors can be used for head shaving, leg shaving, or other precise cutting tasks.
Often interchangeable, but 'shaver' can sound slightly more informal and is frequently used for electric devices, while 'razor' encompasses both manual and electric types.
Yes, though less common. It means to cut or shave with a razor, often implying great precision or sharpness.
It is an idiom meaning in a highly precarious, risky, or tense situation where the outcome is extremely uncertain.