Langimage
English

sharpish

|sharp-ish|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈʃɑːrpɪʃ/

🇬🇧

/ˈʃɑːpɪʃ/

(sharp)

keen edge or point

Base FormComparativeSuperlativeNounAdverb
sharpsharpersharpestsharpnesssharply
Etymology
Etymology Information

'sharpish' originates from the English word 'sharp' with the suffix '-ish' added to indicate a lesser degree.

Historical Evolution

'sharp' changed from Old English word 'scearp' and eventually became the modern English word 'sharp'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, 'sharp' meant 'having a cutting edge or point', and 'sharpish' evolved to mean 'somewhat sharp' or 'quickly'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

somewhat sharp or keen; having a slight edge or point.

The knife was sharpish, but not enough to cut through the tough meat.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adverb 1

quickly or promptly; with a sense of urgency.

He told her to finish the task sharpish.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/05/09 09:00