online vocabulary.com

Sharpened - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Sharpened means to make something, like a blade or pencil, more pointed or keen by grinding or honing. It can also describe improving skills or focus to become more effective.

sharpened

/ˈʃɑːrpənd/ /ˈʃɑːpənd/

Definition:

Made or become sharp or sharper, often by grinding or honing.

Synonyms:

honed, whetted, ground, keen

Part of Speech:

adjective, verb (past participle)

Antonyms:

dulled, blunted

Common Collocations:

sharpened pencil, sharpened knife, sharpened skills

Derivatives:

sharpen, sharpener, sharpening

Usage Tips:

Use "sharpened" to describe objects made sharper or skills improved through practice or refinement.

Common Phrases:

sharpened senses, sharpened wit, sharpened to a fine edge

Etymology:

From Old English "scearpian," meaning to make sharp; related to "sharp."

Examples:

  • 1. She sharpened her pencil before the test.
  • 2. The chef sharpened his knife for precision cutting.
  • 3. His focus sharpened as the competition intensified.
  • 4. The blade was freshly sharpened and gleamed in the light.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS