B1adjective 1K

Sharp

UK /["/ʃɑːp/"]/ US /["/ʃɑːrp/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

having a fine edge or point, especially of something that can cut or make a hole in something

Listen to definition

In simple words: Having a thin edge or point that can cut things.

Examples

• The knife is sharp enough to cut through meat easily.
• She has a sharp mind and can solve complex problems quickly.
• Be careful with that sharp object on the table.
• The critic gave a sharp review of the movie, pointing out its flaws.
• He turned the corner sharply to avoid hitting the car parked there.
• She wore a sharp outfit to the interview that impressed everyone.
• The sharp sound of the alarm woke everyone up suddenly.
• The weather changed sharply from warm to cold during the night.

Usage notes

Use 'sharp' when describing knives, tools, or things that can cut. Not typically used for emotional or social contexts, where 'sharp' might imply intelligence instead.

Grammar pattern

sharp + object

Memory hint

Think of a sharp knife that can cut things easily.

Collocations

• be
• feel
• look
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• as sharp as a razor
• be
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• be
• feel
• look
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• as sharp as a razor
• be
• seem
• stay
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• be
• sound
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• with
• be
• sound
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• with

Synonyms

• intense

Antonyms

• blunt
• dull

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'sharper' as a noun instead of as an adjective.
• Used to describe something that is not related to cutting, like 'sharp' for taste.
• Incorrectly said as 'sharped' instead of just 'sharp'.