ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sharpe

adj.
A1 Beginner US //ˈʃɑɹp// sharpe Archaic

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.


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

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