sharp English · revision 4938

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=inherited|attested=c. 825|origins=gem-pro *skarpaz}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ʃɑːp/, US /ʃɑːrp/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[inh|enm|scharp]], [[inh|ang|sċearp|t=cutting, keen, pointed; shrewd; bitter]],^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) from [[gem-pro|*skarpaz]], literally “cutting”,^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) the source also of Dutch scherp, German scharf and Old Norse skarpr.^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) It is from [[ine-pro|*sker-|t=to cut]],^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) the source also of Middle Irish cerb and Latvian skarbs “sharp”;^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) it is related to [[shear]] and [[scrape]].^(MWU 2024)^(Hoad 1986)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Having a keen cutting edge, or a fine point: about 825 in the OED.^(OED 1989) In Old English it also meant mentally acute, keen of the senses, severe, and bitter in taste.^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Of words, cutting or sarcastic, is from the early 13th century,^(Etymonline) and shrill from the 14th century.^(Hoad 1986) The noun was a sharp weapon from before 1200.^(Barnhart 1988) In music, a half step above a given note is from the 1570s (1576 in Barnhart),^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) and the sign for it by the 1650s.^(Etymonline) Distinct in outline is from the 1670s.^(Etymonline) Quick to take advantage is from the 1690s,^(Etymonline) and a cheat at games, short for ''sharper'' (1680s), from 1797.^(Etymonline) The adverb ''sharp'', punctually, is from 1840.^(OED 1989)^(Barnhart 1988) ''Sharp as a tack'' is from 1912,^(Etymonline) and stylish, in jazz slang, from 1944.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 825 – having a cutting edge.^(OED 1989)

+ * early 13th century – cutting, of words.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1576 – a note raised a semitone.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1690s – quick to take advantage.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1797 – a cheat.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1840 – adverb, punctually.^(OED 1989)^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1944 – stylish.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Having a thin [[edge]] or fine [[point]] that can cut or pierce.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Sudden and great: ''a sharp rise''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Clear and distinct in outline.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Quick to understand; [[intelligent]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Strong and slightly sour in taste.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Severe or angry: ''a sharp reply''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(music)'' Higher by a [[semitone]], or slightly too high.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ===Adverb===

+ # Exactly at a time: ''at six o'clock sharp''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Suddenly: ''turn sharp left''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ===Noun===

+ # ''(music)'' A note a semitone higher, or the sign ♯ for it.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[sharply]]

+ * [[sharpness]]

+ * [[sharp-sighted]]

+ * [[sharp-nosed]]

+ * [[oversharp]]

+ * [[sharpbill]]

+ * [[sharpshooting]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[shear]]

+ * [[scrape]]

+ * [[sharpen]]

+ * [[sharper]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}