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sharp · adjective /ʃɑrp/Full view
Nouns: sharpener, sharpness
Adjectives: sharp
Verbs: sharpen
Adverbs: sharp, sharply
sharp (ABLE TO CUT)
B1 having a very thin or pointed edge that can cut things
Dictionary examples:

a sharp knife

sharp teeth/claws/fingernails

The point of this pencil isn't sharp enough.

Learner example:

My heart was broken by a knife, a sharp, hot knife, but I don't feel pain, I don't feel anything, I just want to die and forget about everything. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

a sharp rise/increase/drop, etc.
B2 a sudden and very large increase or reduction in something
Dictionary examples:

a sharp drop in temperature

a sharp decline in the standard of living

There was a sharp rise/increase in the number of flu cases.

Learner example:

If you have in mind my recommendations you will see a sharp increase in the number of students. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

a sharp contrast/difference, etc.
C2 a very big and noticeable difference between two things
Dictionary example:

These luxurious surroundings were a sharp contrast to his home life.

Learner example:

Always willing to accomodate the need of the customers, the service of "Zithos" draws a sharp contrast with the often insolent and disco[u]rteous conduct of employees in other restaurants. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

sharp (MIND)
B2 quick to notice and understand things
Dictionary example:

a sharp mind

Learner example:

She is an elderly woman who seems to be very weak but with an extrem[e]ly sharp mind. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

a sharp pain
C2 a sudden, short, strong pain
Dictionary example:

I felt a sharp pain in my leg.

Learner example:

When she had dialed the number and the signals were coming through she felt rather dizzy and then a sharp pain in her stomach. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

a sharp bend/turn, etc.
C2 a sudden large change in the direction you are traveling
Dictionary example:

The vehicle went off the road at a sharp bend.

Learner example:

While my aunt was slowing down at a sharp bend, I distracted her [and] she lost control of the car. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

sharp (CLEAR)
C1 A sharp image is very clear.
Dictionary example:

a photograph in sharp focus

Learner example:

Quite the opposite, FFIX features beautiful pre-rendered 3D landscapes, along with real time characters: words are useless for describing such an achievement: the colors are vivid, sharp, the animations are smooth... (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; French)

sharp · adverb /ʃɑrp/
Nouns: sharpener, sharpness
Adjectives: sharp
Verbs: sharpen
Adverbs: sharp, sharply
sharp
C1 exactly at the stated time
Dictionary example:

The performance will begin at 7:30 sharp.

Learner example:

You have to wake him up at 8:00 AM sharp. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Portuguese)

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