English Reference

Word

sharpe

Phoneticssharpe

/ˈʃɑɹp/

Definition

adj. having a thin edge or point that can cut or make a hole easily. You use it to describe things like knives, needles, or even a quick and clever mind.

adj. having a fine edge or point capable of cutting or piercing. Often describes sensory perception or mental acuity in its figurative senses.

Examples

“Be careful because that kitchen knife is very sharp.”

“The photographer adjusted the lens to ensure the focus was sharp enough to see every detail of the leaf.”

“A sharp increase in interest rates often leads to a cooling of the housing market as borrowing costs become prohibitive for the average consumer.”

Examples

simple

“Be careful because that kitchen knife is very sharp.”

contextual

“The photographer adjusted the lens to ensure the focus was sharp enough to see every detail of the leaf.”

complex

“A sharp increase in interest rates often leads to a cooling of the housing market as borrowing costs become prohibitive for the average consumer.”

Usage

Commonly used both literally for physical objects and figuratively for intelligence, sounds, or sudden changes.

Pitfall

a sharply knife

a sharp knife

Learners sometimes confuse the adjective 'sharp' with the adverb 'sharply' when modifying a noun.

This entry

Level
A1 · Beginner
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference