Sharpener: meaning, definitions and examples
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sharpener
[ ˈʃɑːpənər ]
stationery
A device used for sharpening pencils, typically consisting of a narrow, cylindrical blade enclosed in a cylindrical or rectangular case that can be rotated manually or electrically.
Synonyms
pencil sharpener, pencil sharpener machine.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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sharpener |
This is a general term used for tools that sharpen various objects. In everyday use, it can refer to devices for sharpening pencils, knives, or other tools with blades. It's best used when the specific nature of the tool being sharpened isn’t important or can be implied from the context.
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pencil sharpener |
This term specifically refers to a tool designed to sharpen pencils. It's ideal for academic, artistic, or office settings where the purpose is to make a pencil’s tip sharper.
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pencil sharpener machine |
This implies a larger, often electric or mechanical device dedicated to sharpening pencils. It is typically used in more professional or industrial settings, such as offices, schools, or art studios.
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Examples of usage
- The sharpener in my pencil case is broken.
- She used an electric sharpener to sharpen her colored pencils.
- I need to buy a new sharpener for my drawing pencils.
kitchen
A tool used for sharpening knives or other cutting tools, typically consisting of a rotating stone or abrasive surface.
Synonyms
blade sharpener, knife sharpener.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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sharpener |
Commonly used to describe a tool used for sharpening pencils.
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knife sharpener |
Specifically used for tools designed to sharpen kitchen knives or any types of knives.
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blade sharpener |
Refers to a device or tool used to sharpen various types of blades excluding knives, such as scissors or gardening tools.
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Examples of usage
- My grandmother uses a traditional sharpener to sharpen her kitchen knives.
- The chef always keeps his sharpener handy to maintain the sharpness of his knives.
Translations
Translations of the word "sharpener" in other languages:
🇵🇹 apontador
🇮🇳 पेंसिल शार्पनर
🇩🇪 Anspitzer
🇮🇩 peruncing pensil
🇺🇦 гострило
🇵🇱 temperówka
🇯🇵 鉛筆削り
🇫🇷 taille-crayon
🇪🇸 sacapuntas
🇹🇷 kalemtıraş
🇰🇷 연필 깎이
🇸🇦 مبراة
🇨🇿 ořezávátko
🇸🇰 strúhadlo
🇨🇳 削笔器
🇸🇮 šilček
🇮🇸 yfirleggjari
🇰🇿 қарандаш ұштағыш
🇬🇪 საკრეჭი
🇦🇿 qələm yonan
🇲🇽 sacapuntas
Etymology
The word 'sharpener' originated from the verb 'sharpen' which dates back to the Old English word 'scearpian', meaning 'to make sharp'. Over time, the suffix '-er' was added to create the noun 'sharpener', referring to a tool or device used to make something sharp. The concept of sharpening tools has been essential throughout human history, evolving from simple sharpening stones to modern electric sharpeners.
See also: sharp, sharpen, sharper, sharpie, sharply, sharpness, sharpshooter.