Langimage
English

sharp

|sharp|

B1

🇺🇸

/ʃɑrp/

🇬🇧

/ʃɑːp/

keen edge or point

Etymology
Etymology Information

'sharp' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'scearp,' where 'scearp' meant 'cutting or keen.'

Historical Evolution

'scearp' transformed into the Middle English word 'sharp,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sharp.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'cutting or keen,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a musical note raised by a semitone.

The piece is in F sharp major.

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Verb 1

to raise the pitch of a note by a semitone.

The musician decided to sharp the note.

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Adjective 1

having a thin edge or point that can cut or pierce something.

The knife is very sharp.

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Adjective 2

sudden and intense in effect or feeling.

She felt a sharp pain in her side.

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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35