sharpness

Everyday

1. Sharpness is how sharp something is, how well its edge or point can cut or pierce. tree →
2. Sharpness of a picture or image is how clear and detailed it is. tree →
3. Sharpness of mind is being quick and clever. tree →
4. Sharpness in someone's voice means it is a bit harsh or cross. tree →
5. Sharpness can be a sour or strong taste, like lemon or strong cheese. tree →

In the lessons

Safety: knives and scissors must be handled carefully because of their sharpness. Technology: you can adjust the sharpness of a photo. In stories, «sharpness in her voice» shows a character is annoyed. Food: the sharpness of a lemon or vinegar.

Examples

• Test the sharpness of a pencil before the exam. tree →
• The camera lets you change the sharpness of the photo. tree →
• There was a sharpness in Mum's voice when I was late. tree →
• Her sharpness of mind helped her solve the puzzle first. tree →
• I love the sharpness of cheddar cheese. tree →
• Be careful, the sharpness of that blade can cut you. tree →
• The sharpness of the frost made our fingers sting. tree →
• Then they asked him why he had come; and he told them how he was sent to find the Sword of Sharpness and the Cap of Darkness. tree →

Note

Uncountable: say «the sharpness», not «a sharpness» (except «a sharpness in her voice»). From sharp + ness. Opposite: bluntness, dullness, blurriness.