English → Latin
“sharpness” in Latin
aciēssharp edge or point; battle line; battle, engagementācritūdōsharpness, pungency; liveliness, vivacityācrimōniasharpness, pungency; acrimony, austeritysevēritāsseriousness, gravity, sternness, strictness, severityacerbitāssourness of taste, with bitterness and astringency, like that of unripe fruit; harshness, severity; sorrowsevērussevere, serious, strict, stern, stringent, austere, harsh, grave (in demeanor)
Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864
sharpness
PROP., acies. The sharpness of an axe, acies securis. Figuratively,
As opposed to mildness, (a) Of taste, acritudo (as a lasting property): acrimonia (as felt at any time; e.g., of mustard, sinapis). (b) Of character, severitas: acerbitas. “To use sharpness,” severitatem adhibere (against anybody, in aliquo): with sharpness, severe.
As a penetrating power, (a) Of the senses, acies: sharpnessof sight, acies oculorum; of smell, nasus sagax; of hearing, aures acutae. (b) Of mental powers, ingenii acumen or acies (the former implying more of depth; of original and inventive ability) or acumen only: acies mentis: ingenium acre: judicium acre et certum: perspicacitas: prudentia perspicax (insight, taking in all at one glance): subtilitas (fine discrimination): sagacitas (the power of accurate investigation). OBS., acrimonia is “life,” “energy,” etc.: ☞ acrimonia judicii (Muret.) incorrect.
Quick answer
- What is the Latin word for sharpness?
- The usual Latin words for “sharpness” are aciēs, ācritūdō, ācrimōnia; also sevēritās, acerbitās, sevērus. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.
Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.