Sharpen
/ˈʃɑːrpən/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make something, such as a knife, pencil, or tool, have a finer edge or point.
/ˈʃɑːrpən/
To make something sharper.
She sharpened her knife to prepare the vegetables.
💡 Simply: Sharpening means making something's edge or point pointy and good at cutting or writing. Like when you make your pencil tip super pointy so you can write neatly.
👶 For kids: To make something pointy, like a pencil or a knife.
More Examples
The artist sharpened the pencil before starting to draw.
He sharpened his skills by practicing every day.
How It's Used
"He sharpened his pencil before starting the exam."
"The carpenter sharpened his saw."
To make something, such as a feeling, skill, or argument, more intense or effective.
/ˈʃɑːrpən/
To make something more intense or effective.
The criticism sharpened his resolve.
💡 Simply: Sharpening also means making something stronger or better, like sharpening your math skills by doing more problems.
👶 For kids: To make something better or stronger.
More Examples
The training sharpened their reflexes.
The company sharpened its focus on customer service.
How It's Used
"The debate sharpened the differences between the candidates."
"He sharpened his negotiation skills."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
sharpen your pencils
To prepare for a task or challenge.
"Okay class, sharpen your pencils, because it's time for the test!"
From Middle English *sharpenen*, from Old English *scearpen* (verb) meaning 'to make sharp, to make keen', from *scearp* (adjective) meaning 'sharp'.
Used in texts dating back to the 13th century, initially in reference to physical sharpness.