sharp
UK[ʃɑːp]US[ʃɑːrp]
adj
having a thin edge or a fine point that can cut or make a hole
adj
changing direction suddenly
adj
quick to notice or understand things or to react
adj
(of a pain or feeling) sudden and strong
adj
(of a remark) critical or harsh
adj
(of clothes or style) stylish and neat
n
a musical note raised a semitone above natural pitch
n
a long, thin sewing needle with a very fine point
adv
exactly at the stated time
adv
suddenly and quickly
Etymology
the word 'sharp' originates from the old english 'scearp', which itself is derived from the proto-germanic 'skarpaz', meaning 'cutting' or 'sharp'. this proto-germanic term can be traced further back to the proto-indo-european root '(s)kerb-', a variant of the more common '(s)ker-', meaning 'to cut'. this etymological journey from a root meaning 'to cut' to the modern adjective 'sharp' illustrates a clear semantic logic: the primary quality of something that cuts is its keen edge or fine point. over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically to describe sudden changes, mental acuity, intense sensations, and critical remarks, all connected by the core idea of penetrating keenness or suddenness.
Analysis
the word 'sharp' is a simplex word of old english origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern english.
Examples
be careful with that knife; the blade is very sharp.
there was a sharp bend in the road ahead.
she has a sharp mind for business details.