sharp
HighNeutral
Definition
Meaning
Having a fine edge or point; capable of cutting or piercing easily.
Quick to understand or learn; intelligent. Also, sudden and intense, as in pain, turns, or changes.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can describe physical attributes (e.g., edges), mental acuity, sounds, tastes, movements, and time. Often implies precision, intensity, or abruptness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'sharp' is commonly used to mean exactly (e.g., at 10 o'clock sharp), while in American English, this usage is slightly less frequent. Both use 'sharp' in music and for style.
Connotations
Generally positive for intelligence (sharp mind) and style (sharp dresser), but negative for pain or criticism (sharp pain, sharp words). In British English, 'sharp practice' implies dishonesty in business.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects, with slight variations in colloquial expressions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
adjective + noun (e.g., sharp object)be + sharp + at + noun (e.g., sharp at maths)verb + sharp (e.g., look sharp)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sharp as a tack”
- “look sharp”
- “sharp practice”
- “sharp tongue”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to sudden changes, e.g., sharp decline in profits or sharp rise in demand.
Academic
Used in fields like mathematics for precise angles or in linguistics for phonemic distinctions.
Everyday
Common for describing objects, intelligence, time precision, and sensory experiences.
Technical
In music, denotes a note raised by a semitone; in photography, refers to image clarity and focus.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The conductor sharped the note during rehearsal to correct the pitch.
American English
- In jazz, musicians sometimes sharp notes for expressive effect.
adverb
British English
- The meeting started at nine o'clock sharp.
American English
- Come sharp at noon for the lunch appointment.
adjective
British English
- The barrister made a sharp argument in court.
American English
- He felt a sharp pain in his side after the run.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This pencil is sharp and easy to write with.
- Be careful with the sharp scissors.
- She has a sharp memory for details.
- The road took a sharp left turn.
- His sharp wit often leaves people speechless.
- There was a sharp drop in temperature overnight.
- The economist predicted a sharp contraction in the market due to policy changes.
- Her sharp analysis of the data revealed hidden patterns.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'sharp' knife that can 'sharpen' your thinking—both relate to being keen and precise.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTELLIGENCE IS A SHARP TOOL (e.g., sharp mind cuts through problems).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overextending 'острый' to all contexts; English 'sharp' for time (e.g., 10 sharp) is idiomatic.
- Confusing 'sharp' with 'smart' exclusively; it also applies to physical edges and sensations.
- Literal translation of 'sharp pain' might miss nuances in medical or everyday descriptions.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'sharp' as a verb instead of 'sharpen' (e.g., incorrect: 'I sharp the pencil'; correct: 'I sharpen the pencil').
- Overusing 'sharp' for emotional intensity without context (e.g., 'sharp happiness' is uncommon).
- Misplacing in phrases like 'sharp of mind' instead of the standard 'sharp mind'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'sharp' mean 'exactly'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can describe high-pitched or piercing sounds, e.g., a sharp whistle or cry.
Yes, it is neutral and appropriate in formal contexts, such as academic or business reports, when describing precision or sudden changes.
Both can mean intelligent or intense, but 'acute' is often used in medical or geometric contexts, while 'sharp' is more general for edges, minds, and changes.
Use it in phrases like 'sharp as a tack' for intelligence, 'look sharp' for hurry, or 'sharp tongue' for critical speech, ensuring context matches the idiom's meaning.