adjective
1. cutting or able to cut as if with a knife (Freq. 1)
• Similar to: ↑sharp
2. having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
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an acute observer of politics and politicians
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incisive comments
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icy knifelike reasoning
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as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang
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penetrating insight
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frequent penetrative observations
• Syn:
• Similar to: ↑perceptive
• Derivationally related forms: ↑sharpness (for: ↑sharp), ↑penetrate (for: ↑penetrative), ↑keenness (for: ↑keen), ↑incisiveness (for: ↑incisive), ↑acuteness (for: ↑acute)
3. painful as if caused by a sharp instrument
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a cutting wind
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keen winds
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knifelike cold
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piercing knifelike pains
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piercing cold
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piercing criticism
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a stabbing pain
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lancinating pain
• Similar to: ↑sharp
4. having a sharp or distinct edge
-
a narrow knifelike profile
• Similar to: ↑distinct
* * *
\\ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\ adjective : resembling or suggesting a knife:
a. : having a sharp edge or ridge
a knifelike ridge of land
a narrow knifelike profile
b. : keen and incisive
icy knifelike reasoning
c. : sharp and penetrating : piercing
knifelike pains
a knifelike cold
* * *
knifeˈlike adjective
• • •
Main Entry: ↑knife
Useful english dictionary. 2012.