sharpness
UK: ˈʃɑːpnəs | US: ˈʃɑrpnəs
n. the quality or state of being sharp
n. keenness of perception or intellect
n. a harsh or biting quality (e.g., of tone or criticism)
The word "sharpness" combines "sharp," derived from Old English "scearp" (meaning cutting or piercing), with the suffix "-ness," which originates from Old English "-nes" (used to form abstract nouns). "Sharp" has Germanic roots, linked to precision and intensity, while "-ness" systematically transforms adjectives into nouns denoting a state or condition. Together, they logically evolve to describe the abstract quality of being sharp—whether literally (e.g., a blade) or metaphorically (e.g., wit).
The sharpness of the knife made chopping vegetables effortless.
Her sharpness in debates earned her respect among peers.
The photo lacked sharpness due to a blurry lens.
His tone had a sharpness that silenced the room.
The cold air added a sharpness to the morning sunlight.