Main Entry: 1sharp
Pronunciation: \ˈshärp\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English scearp; akin to Old High German scarf sharp and perhaps to Old English scrapian to scrape — more at scrape
Date: before 12th century
1 : adapted to cutting or piercing: as a : having a thin keen edge or fine point b : briskly or bitingly cold : nipping {a sharp wind}
2 a : keen in intellect : quick-witted b : keen in perception : acute {sharp sight} c : keen in attention : vigilant {keep a sharp lookout} d : keen in attention to one's own interest sometimes to the point of being unethical {a sharp trader}; also : corrupt, unethical {sharp business practices}
3 : keen in spirit or action: as a : full of activity or energy : brisk
4 : severe, harsh: as a : inclined to or marked by irritability or anger {a sharp temper} b : causing intense mental or physical distress {a sharp pain} c : cutting in language or import {a sharp rebuke}
5 : affecting the senses or sense organs intensely: as a (1) : having a strong odor or flavor {sharp cheese} (2) : acrid b : having a strong piercing sound c : having the effect of or involving a sudden brilliant display of light {a sharp flash}
6 a : terminating in a point or edge {sharp features} b : involving an abrupt or marked change especially in direction {a sharp turn} c : clear in outline or detail : distinct {a sharp image} d : set forth with clarity and distinctness{sharp contrast}
7 a of a tone : raised a half step in pitch b : higher than the proper pitch c : major, augmented —used of an interval in music
8 : stylish, dressy
2 a : keen in intellect : quick-witted b : keen in perception : acute {sharp sight} c : keen in attention : vigilant {keep a sharp lookout} d : keen in attention to one's own interest sometimes to the point of being unethical {a sharp trader}; also : corrupt, unethical {sharp business practices}
3 : keen in spirit or action: as a : full of activity or energy : brisk
4 : severe, harsh: as a : inclined to or marked by irritability or anger {a sharp temper} b : causing intense mental or physical distress {a sharp pain} c : cutting in language or import {a sharp rebuke}
5 : affecting the senses or sense organs intensely: as a (1) : having a strong odor or flavor {sharp cheese} (2) : acrid b : having a strong piercing sound c : having the effect of or involving a sudden brilliant display of light {a sharp flash}
6 a : terminating in a point or edge {sharp features} b : involving an abrupt or marked change especially in direction {a sharp turn} c : clear in outline or detail : distinct {a sharp image} d : set forth with clarity and distinctness{sharp contrast}
7 a of a tone : raised a half step in pitch b : higher than the proper pitch c : major, augmented —used of an interval in music
8 : stylish, dressy
— sharp·ly adverb
— sharp·ness noun
synonyms sharp, keen, acute mean having or showing alert competence and clear understanding. sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness {sharp enough to spot a confidence game}. keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind {a keen observer of the political scene}. acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination {an acute sense of style}.
