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adj. sharp·er, sharp·est 1. Having a thin edge or a fine point suitable for or capable of cutting or piercing. 2. a. Having clear form and detail: a sharp photographic image. b. Terminating in an edge or a point: sharp angular cliffs; a sharp nose. c. Clearly and distinctly set forth: sharp contrasts in behavior. 3. Abrupt or acute: a sharp drop; a sharp turn. 4. a. Intellectually penetrating; astute: was sharp in his analysis of the problem. b. Marked by keenness and accuracy of perception: sharp hearing. 5. Crafty or deceitful, as in business dealings: sharp selling practices. 6. Vigilant; alert: kept a sharp lookout for shoplifters. 7. a. Briskly or keenly cold and cutting: a sharp wind. b. Harsh or biting in tone or character: sharp criticism. 8. Fierce or impetuous; violent: a sharp temper; a sharp assault. 9. Intense; severe: a sharp pain. 10. a. Sudden and shrill: a sharp whistle. b. Sudden and brilliant or dazzling: a sharp flash of lightning. 11. Strongly affecting the senses of smell and taste: a sharp pungent odor; a sharp cheese. 12. Composed of hard angular particles: sharp sand. 13. Music a. Raised in pitch by a semitone. b. Being above the proper pitch. c. Having the key signature in sharps. 14. Informal Attractive or stylish: a sharp jacket. adv. 1. In a sharp manner: hit me sharp on the brow. 2. Punctually; exactly: at three o'clock sharp. 3. Music Above the true or proper pitch. n. 1. Music a. A sign (♯) used to indicate that a note is to be raised by a semitone. b. A note that is raised a semitone. 2. a. A slender sewing needle with a very fine point. b. A hypodermic needle: a canister for disposing of used sharps. 3. Informal a. An expert. b. A shrewd cheater; a sharper. v. sharped, sharp·ing, sharps Music v.tr. To raise in pitch by a semitone. v.intr. To play or sing above the proper pitch. sharply adv. sharpness n. Synonyms: sharp, keen1, acute These adjectives all apply literally to fine edges, points, or tips. Figuratively they indicate mental alertness and clarity of comprehension. Sharp suggests quickness and astuteness: "a young man of sharp and active intellect" (John Henry Newman). Keen implies clear-headedness and acuity: a journalist with a keen mind and quick wits. Acute suggests penetrating perception or discernment: an acute observer of national politics. See Also Synonyms at fashionable. |
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