Suffix · forms adjectives
having an edge of a specified kind; having a quality that cuts, sharpens, or creates a dangerous boundary
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
-edged forms compound adjectives with two main uses. Literally, it describes the edge of a blade or object: sharp-edged, razor-edged, jagged-edged. Figuratively, it describes things that cut in both directions or have a dangerous quality: double-edged, hard-edged, cutting-edged. The most powerful -edged compound in English is "double-edged," which describes any situation, weapon, or argument that can harm both sides or has two contradictory effects.
-edged
Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
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" (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
"Double-edged" is one of the most important compound adjectives in English for describing complex situations with contradictory outcomes. Any time something has both a benefit and a risk, a gain and a loss, a praise and a criticism — it is double-edged. The sword metaphor works because a blade sharp on both sides can cut both the enemy and the wielder. Master this single compound and you will use it constantly in essays, debates, and analysis.
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
"Her razor-edged wit left the audience both laughing and slightly uncomfortable." What does "razor-edged" suggest here?
Exercise 3 · Form the word
The suffix -edged having an edge of a specified kind; having a quality that cuts, sharpens, or creates a dangerous boundary In Spanish it usually maps to de filo / de borde.
"double" becomes "double-edged". It is a typical example of the -edged suffix.
using or characterized by hands in a specified way; having a specified number of people; done with a particular quality of fairness or force
speaking in a specified way, with a particular style, tone, or degree of openness
having a specified level or quality of mental sharpness, intelligence, or quick thinking
-tion, -ness, -ful, -ly, -able... every ending you need to understand thousands of words at once.