WordGarden.iosharpness
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈɑːpnəs/
US
- /ˈʃɑrpnəs/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of having a fine cutting edge or point
quickness or keenness of mind, perception, or judgment
clarity, crispness, or fine definition in what is seen
More meaningsFewer meanings
a biting or penetrating sensory intensity, especially in pain, taste, or smell
cutting harshness in speech, tone, or manner
Beyond the definition
Sharpness isn't just about knives. A sharp blade cuts easily, but the word also describes a clear and focused mind. A detective with a keen eye for detail shows sharpness in observation. It can also describe the strong feel of something, especially pain, sound, or emotion. Think of it as the quality of being clear, exact, or cutting, whether in a physical or non-physical way.
Consider the phrase "a sharpness in his voice." That does not mean his voice can literally cut. It means he spoke with a pointed tone, perhaps with anger. In the same way, a photograph with sharpness looks clear, detailed, and well-defined. The opposite is often dullness, softness, or vagueness.
Sharpness describes the quality of being keenly perceptive, intensely focused, or having a finely defined edge. It is a versatile word that applies to both physical attributes and abstract qualities.
Physically, sharpness refers to the ability of an object to cut or pierce easily. A sharp knife, razor, or even a shard of glass possesses this quality. We often talk about a tool "losing its sharpness" when it becomes blunt and requires maintenance.
However, sharpness extends far beyond the physical world. It frequently describes mental acuity; a person with sharpness is quick-witted, intelligent, and observant. A sharp mind can quickly grasp complex ideas or solve difficult problems, often referred to as "sharpness of intellect."
It also describes the intensity of sensations or emotions. A moment of sharpness could be a sudden pang of grief, a burst of fear, or a feeling of intense physical pain. A writer might describe "the sharpness of regret" to convey a particularly biting emotion. Furthermore, sharpness refers to clarity and detail in perception, especially in images. A photograph with high sharpness is crisp, distinct, and well-defined.
So, whether you're talking about the edge of a blade, the quickness of a mind, the intensity of an emotion, or the clarity of a picture, sharpness signifies precision and a penetrating quality. It is a word that cuts to the core of things, both literally and figuratively.
Examples
- 1
Blade condition
The blade had lost its sharpness after weeks of use.
- 2
Image quality
This camera gives the image much better sharpness in low light.
- 3
Tone of voice
There was a sudden sharpness in her voice when he mentioned the delay.
- Patternsharpness in someone's voice
an angry or severe tone
- 4
Team reply
His reply had a sharpness that surprised the rest of the team.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Mental ability
Even at eighty, she still had the sharpness to notice small errors in the report.
- 6
Food taste
The cream helps balance the sharpness of the tomatoes.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sharpnessnoun