What this suffix does
-edged describes the edge or blade of something, literally or figuratively: double-edged (has both an upside and a risk), sharp-edged. "a double-edged sword" is a very common expression for something with pros and cons.
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Suffix · forms adjectives
-edged
Describes the kind of edge something has, literal or figurative: double-edged (cuts both ways) and sharp-edged (sharp, cutting).
In Spanish: de filo / de bordeIntermediate
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
How it is formed
Adjective + edged.
- double + edgeddouble-edged (cuts both ways)
- sharp + edgedsharp-edged (sharp, cutting)
- hard + edgedhard-edged (tough, uncompromising)
This is not a productive rule you can apply freely: it is a closed set of fixed expressions. Learn them one by one as set phrases.
How it is pronounced
-edged
Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
Examples
Base word
With -edged
In a phrase
- doubledouble-edgedWorking from home is a double-edged sword, more freedom but less structure.
- razorrazor-edgedBe careful, that knife has a razor-edged blade.
- hardhard-edgedThe critic gave a hard-edged review of the new movie.
- sharpsharp-edgedWatch out for the sharp-edged rocks on the trail.
- jaggedjagged-edgedThe jagged-edged cliff made the hike more dangerous.
Common mistakes
double-edged = having two edges (literal only)
double-edged most commonly means "having two contradictory effects or risks"
The figurative meaning of "double-edged" is now far more common than the literal one. A "double-edged sword" — the full idiom — refers to something that is both an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. "That policy is a double-edged sword: it reduces crime but increases surveillance." This is one of the most used idioms in English political and economic commentary.
cutting-edge vs cutting-edged
cutting-edge (no -d) is the standard form for "innovative"
"Cutting-edge" (without -d) is the established compound for "at the forefront of innovation." You would say "cutting-edge technology," not "cutting-edged technology." The -edged form exists for other uses (sharp-edged, razor-edged) but the innovation compound is always "cutting-edge."
A trick to remember it
"Edge" = edge, literal. Picture a sword sharpened on BOTH sides: double-EDGED = cuts both ways, has both an upside and a risk.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
"sharp-edged" describes something that is...
Frequently asked questions
What does the suffix -edged mean in English?
The suffix -edged describes the kind of edge something has, literal or figurative: double-edged (cuts both ways) and sharp-edged (sharp, cutting). In Spanish it usually maps to de filo / de borde.
Can you give an example of a word with -edged?
"double" becomes "double-edged". It is a typical example of the -edged suffix.
Other useful suffixes
-handed
Describes how someone acts or uses their hands: heavy-handed (harsh, lacking tact) and even-handed (fair, impartial).
-spoken
Describes someone's tone or style of speaking: soft-spoken (speaking gently) and outspoken (speaking one's mind bluntly).
-witted
Describes how quickly someone thinks: quick-witted (sharp, fast-thinking) versus dim-witted (slow, not very sharp).
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