sharp
- 01 A1 Beginner
adj.having a thin edge or point that can cut or pierce things easily.
adj.terminating in a fine edge or point capable of cutting or piercing.
Simple“Be careful with that sharp knife while you are chopping the vegetables.”
In context“The chef insisted on using only the most sharp blades to ensure the delicate herbs were sliced without being bruised.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
adj.quick to notice things and very smart.
adj.demonstrating mental acuity, alertness, or quickness of perception.
Simple“She is very sharp and noticed the mistake in the contract immediately.”
In context“The detective's sharp eyes caught a minor inconsistency in the witness's statement that others had overlooked.”
SynonymsAntonymsslowdim witted - 03 B1 Intermediate
adj.happening suddenly or felt very strongly, like a pain or a turn in the road.
adj.characterised by a sudden change in direction or a high degree of physical or emotional intensity.
Simple“The car made a sharp turn at the corner to avoid the cat.”
In context“Patients often report a sharp pain in the lower abdomen during the initial stages of the infection.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.looking very fashionable and neat in your clothes.
adj.neat, stylish, or sophisticated in appearance.
Simple“You look very sharp in that new suit you bought for the wedding.”
In context“He arrived at the gala looking sharp in a tailored tuxedo that commanded immediate attention.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.having a strong, sour, or acidic taste that bites your tongue.
adj.having a pungent, acrid, or acidic sensory quality.
Simple“This cheddar cheese has a very sharp flavour that goes well with apples.”
In context“The vinaigrette was a bit too sharp, overpowering the subtle flavours of the roasted beetroot.”
- 06 C1 Advanced
adj.using words that are unkind or show you are angry.
adj.harsh, biting, or severe in tone or manner.
Simple“He gave her a sharp rebuke for arriving late to the rehearsal.”
In context“The critic's sharp tongue was well-known in the industry, often leaving young actors in tears after a premiere.”
- 07 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.higher in pitch by one semitone.
adj.raised in pitch by a chromatic semitone; also used to describe a note that is slightly higher than the correct pitch.
Simple“The singer was a little bit sharp during the high notes of the song.”
In context“The conductor stopped the orchestra because the woodwinds were sounding slightly sharp against the piano.”
Antonyms - 08 B1 Intermediate
adv.exactly at a specific time.
adv.precisely at a designated time; typically follows the time expression.
Simple“The meeting will start at nine o'clock sharp, so please do not be late.”
In context“The train departs at 14:00 sharp, and the doors close two minutes prior to departure.”
UsageAlways placed immediately after the time it modifies.
- 09 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the symbol (♯) that tells a musician to play a note higher.
n.a musical notation (♯) indicating that a note is to be raised by one semitone.
Simple“There are three sharps in the key signature of A major.”
In context“The student struggled to remember which notes required a sharp in the complex jazz arrangement.”
Antonyms - 10 C2 Proficiency
v.to make a musical note higher in pitch.
v.to raise the pitch of a note, typically by a semitone.
Simple“You need to sharp that F to make it sound correct in this key.”
In context“The composer decided to sharp the leading tone to create more harmonic tension before the resolution.”
Antonyms
Usage sharp increase · sharp end · sharp contrast