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sharply

Variant of sharp

adjective

  1. suitable for use in cutting or piercing; having a very thin edge or fine point; keen
  2. having a point or edge; not rounded or blunt; peaked: a sharp ridge, features, etc.
  3. not gradual; abrupt; acute: a sharp turn
  4. clearly defined; distinct; clear: a sharp contrast
  5. made up of hard, angular particles, as sand
  6. quick, acute, or penetrating in perception or intellect; specif.,
    1. acutely sensitive in seeing, hearing, etc.
    2. clever; shrewd
  7. showing or having a keen awareness; attentive; vigilant: a sharp lookout
  8. crafty; designing; underhanded
  9. harsh, biting, or severe: a sharp temper, criticism, etc.
  10. violent or impetuous; sudden and forceful: a sharp attack
  11. brisk; active; vigorous: a sharp run
  12. having a keen effect on the senses or feelings; specif.,
    1. severe; intense; acute; keen: a sharp pain, grief, appetite, etc.
    2. strong; biting; pungent, as in taste or smell
    3. high-pitched; shrill: a sharp sound
    4. brilliant; intense: a sharp flash of light
    5. cold and cutting: a sharp wind
  13. Slang attractively or stylishly dressed or groomed
  14. Music
    1. higher in pitch by a half step: C sharp (C)
    2. out of tune by being above the true or proper pitch

adverb

  1. in a sharp manner; specif.,
    1. abruptly or briskly
    2. attentively or alertly
    3. so as to have a sharp point or edge
    4. keenly; piercingly
    5. Music above the true or proper pitch
  2. precisely; exactly: one o'clock sharp

noun

  1. a sewing needle with an extremely fine point
  2. Informal an expert or adept
  3. Informal shark, sharper
  4. Music
    1. a note or tone one half step above another
    2. the sign () indicating such a note

transitive verb

Music to make sharp; raise a half step

intransitive verb

Music to sing or play above the true or proper pitch

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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