Scherp

Scherp is a Dutch adjective meaning sharp, keen, or incisive. It is used for physical sharpness (a scherp mes), sensory perception (een scherpe geur, een scherpe smaak), and intellectual or verbal acuity (een scherpe geest, een scherpe opmerking). The sense of intensity can also apply to sounds, colors, or feelings, describing something piercing, strong, or pointed.

In visual contexts, scherp denotes high clarity or definition. Een scherp beeld is in focus or sharply rendered; in photography and film, scherpte refers to focus accuracy and perceived sharpness of an image.

Outside of everyday language, scherp also appears as a surname in Dutch-speaking regions. It is used as a family name and may be found among people from the Netherlands or Belgium.

Etymology and cognates: The Dutch word is related to German scharf and English sharp, all descending from Proto-Germanic roots associated with cutting, piercing, or keenness. The core sense across these languages is the same: something that is sharp or keen.