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sharp · adjective /ʃɑːp/Full view
Nouns: sharpness, (pencil) sharpener
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:

All that Tom remembered afterwards was the loud noise of the braking tyres, a sharp pain in his legs and then darkness. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

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

The vehicle came 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 colo[u]rs are vivid, sharp, the animations are smooth... (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; French)

sharp · adverb /ʃɑːp/
Nouns: sharpness, (pencil) sharpener
Adjectives: sharp
Verbs: sharpen
Adverbs: sharp, sharply
sharp (SUDDENLY)
C1 suddenly or immediately
Dictionary example:

After the library, turn sharp left/right.

Learner example:

At the bus-stop you have to go straight on through the one-way street, then turn sharp left until you reach the staggered junction, [w]here you will see a taxi [rank]. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

sharp (EXACTLY)
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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