What is sharpness? Pronunciation and usage in English

sharpness means . Learn how to pronounce and use sharpness through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of sharpness

sharpnessnoun

/ˈʃɑːpnəs//ˈʃɑːrpnəs/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "sharpness" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcriptions and explanations:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ʃɑːrp.nəs (This is the most accurate way to represent the sound)

2. Breakdown & Explanation:

  • ʃ - This is the "sh" sound, like in "ship" or "shoe." It's a voiceless postalveolar fricative.
  • ɑːrp - This part is similar to the word "harp." The 'a' is a long 'a' sound, like in "father." The 'r' is a slightly rolled 'r' - not super pronounced, but a noticeable ripple.
  • nəs - This is the trickiest part.
    • n - A regular "n" sound.
    • əs - This is a diphthong, meaning two vowel sounds blended together. It sounds like "uhs" but shorter and more clipped. Think of it as a very quick "uh" followed immediately by an "s" sound. It’s almost like a tiny, quick "uh-s."

3. How to Say it (Step-by-Step):

  1. Start with "sh": Make the "sh" sound as in "ship."
  2. Add "ahrp": Say "ahrp" like the word "harp," but with a slightly rolled 'r'.
  3. Add "n": Say "n."
  4. Say "uhs": Quickly say "uhs" – just a very short, clipped "uh" followed by an "s" sound.

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "r": It's a subtle roll.
  • Focus on the diphthong "uhs": This is crucial to getting the correct pronunciation. It's almost like a very short, quick "uh-s."
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. You can find examples on:
    • Google Translate: Type "sharpness" and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/sharpness/ (This website has pronunciations from native speakers.)
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce sharpness" and listen to a few different examples.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What is your native language? (This will help me understand potential pronunciation challenges you might have.)

Usage and examples with the word sharpness in English

Let's break down how to use the word "sharpness" in English. It has a surprising number of different meanings and applications. Here's a detailed breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Visual Sharpness (Most Common)

  • Definition: This refers to the clarity and detail in an image, photograph, or visual experience. It's how well-defined the edges and shapes are.
  • Examples:
    • "The photograph has incredible sharpness; you can almost feel the texture of the fabric."
    • "The new lens gives the camera much greater sharpness."
    • "I noticed a loss of sharpness when viewing the image on my old monitor."
    • "The brushstrokes in the painting have a beautiful, delicate sharpness."

2. Physical Sharpness (Edges, Points)

  • Definition: Describes something that is pointed, having a distinct edge, or cutting.
  • Examples:
    • "The knife has a very sharpness – be careful!" (Meaning: it's very sharp.)
    • “The sharpness of the needles was remarkable.” (Referring to the point)
    • "He used a sharpness of steel to carve the sculpture."

3. Mental Acuteness / Intelligence

  • Definition: Refers to a keen mind, quick thinking, and intelligence. It describes someone’s ability to perceive things clearly and accurately.
  • Examples:
    • "She has a remarkable sharpness of intellect, always able to see through deception."
    • “He demonstrated a sharpness of wit in the debate.”
    • "The professor's lectures were noted for their sharpness and clarity."

4. Taste / Flavor (Intensity)

  • Definition: Describes a strong, pungent, or intense flavor, often referring to spices or certain foods.
  • Examples:
    • "The chili peppers have a sharpness that will make your eyes water."
    • "The cheese had a pleasant sharpness that complemented the wine."
    • "I prefer my coffee with a bit of sharpness – it wakes me up!"

5. Suddenness / Severity (Less Common)

  • Definition: Can refer to a sudden, intense, or forceful action or reaction.
  • Examples:
    • "He reacted with sharpness to the criticism." (Meaning: he responded with strength and directness.)
    • "There was a sharpness in her tone that suggested anger." (Meaning: a sudden, forceful delivery)

6. (Figurative) A cutting or critical remark

  • Definition: A pointed or harsh statement.
  • Examples:
    • "His comments had a sharpness that left her feeling hurt."
    • “She responded with a sharpness of tongue.”

Tips for Using "Sharpness" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "sharpness" depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Knowing synonyms can help you choose the most precise word:
    • Visual: clarity, definition, detail, focus
    • Physical: point, edge, intensity
    • Mental: intelligence, wit, quickness, acuity
    • Taste: intensity, pungency, zest, bite
  • Adjectives: Often, "sharpness" is used as an adjective describing something else (e.g., "a sharp knife," "a sharp mind").

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • In what kind of context are you trying to use the word "sharpness?" (e.g., describing a photo, talking about a person’s intelligence, discussing food)?

Synonyms for the word sharpness

Practice with vocabulary sharpness

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The CEO's questions during the board meeting revealed the impressive ______ of her business acumen.
  2. To ensure the surgical instrument was effective, the technician regularly checked the ______ of its cutting edge.
  3. The project manager emphasized the need for absolute ______ in the budget calculations to avoid any discrepancies.
  4. Effective communication relies on the ______ of one's thoughts and the ability to articulate them succinctly.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers)

  1. Which of the following words best describes the quality of a highly perceptive and quick-witted mind? a) obscurity b) sharpness c) dullness d) slowness e) keenness

  2. When reviewing the image quality of a new display, engineers often evaluate its: a) blandness b) vibrancy c) sharpness d) resolution e) opacity

  3. In legal debates, the prosecutor's ability to maintain the ______ of his arguments was key to convincing the jury. a) ambiguity b) precision c) vagueness d) sharpness e) clarity

  4. When collecting experimental data, scientists prioritize the ______ of their measurements to ensure reliable results. a) inaccuracy b) approximation c) accuracy d) reliability e) precision

  5. Good leadership requires a high degree of political ______, understanding complex social dynamics. a) obliviousness b) insensitivity c) acuity d) perception e) dullness

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The CEO's ability to think quickly and analyze complex data was remarkable. (Rewrite the sentence using "sharpness".)

  2. Regular mental exercises help keep one's mind alert and responsive. (Rewrite the sentence using a related word form of "sharpness".)

  3. The detailed financial report showed that the company's profits increased significantly last quarter. (Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word, but do not use "sharpness" or any form of "sharp".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. sharpness
  2. sharpness
  3. precision
  4. clarity

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) sharpness, e) keenness
  2. c) sharpness, d) resolution
  3. b) precision, d) sharpness, e) clarity
  4. c) accuracy, e) precision
  5. c) acuity, d) perception

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The CEO demonstrated remarkable sharpness in her ability to think quickly and analyze complex data.
  2. Regular mental exercises help sharpen one's mind.
  3. The detailed financial report showed a substantial increase in the company's profits last quarter.

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