Pronunciation

/shəˈrɛn/

Definitions

Verb

• Noun: A tool or process that makes a blade or edge sharper, usually by rubbing against a harder surface. For example: “The carpenter sharpened his saw before starting the next cut.”
• Verb: To make (a blade or edge) sharper, often by using a sharpening stone or device. For example: “She sharpened the knife to prepare for the meal.”

Phrases

• “Sharpen a pencil” means to make the point of a pencil sharper.
• “Sharpening technique” refers to the method used to improve the cutting edge.
• “Keep a sharp blade” emphasizes the importance of maintaining a keen edge.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “After using it for a while, he took the time to sharpen his axe.”
• “The chef carefully sharpened the chef’s knife before slicing the fish.”
• “I need to sharpen my mind before tackling this complex problem.”

Synonyms

• hone
• whet
• refine
• polish
• tune

Antonyms

• dull
• blunt
• blunt (as in the action of making something dull)