ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sharpness

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈʃɑɹpnəs// UK //ʃˈɑːpnəs// sharp·ness Archaic

n. the quality of having a thin edge or point that can cut or pierce things easily. It can also describe how clear an image is or how quick and clever someone's mind is.

n. the quality of having a fine edge or point capable of cutting or piercing; by extension, the degree of clarity in an image or the acuity of a person's intellect.


SIMPLE

The chef checked the sharpness of his knife before starting.

CONTEXTUAL

The photographer adjusted the lens focus to improve the sharpness of the foreground details in the portrait.

COMPLEX

While the physical sharpness of the blade was impressive, it was the sharpness of the lawyer's wit that truly dominated the courtroom during the cross-examination.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English sharpnesse, scharpnesse, from Old English sċearpnes (“sharpness”), equivalent to sharp + -ness.

Usage

Often used with 'of' to describe a specific object or trait ('the sharpness of the image').

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