Sharpening: meaning, definitions and examples

The general act of making something sharper, typically used for tools, pencils, or even skills.

• The sharpening of the chef's knives is crucial for food preparation.
• Regular sharpening is important to keep your skates in good condition.

Refining or improving a skill, technique, or physical object to a high level. Often used for precision tasks.

• He spent hours honing his skills as a pianist.
• The craftsmen were honing the blades to perfection.

Refers to wearing down or smoothing out a surface through friction, often with the use of a machine. It can also have a broader metaphorical meaning, like working hard or over a long period.

• They were grinding the metal to form a smooth edge.
• She has been grinding at her studies for months.

The action of making something sharper, like a tool or a skill. It's more specific and often refers to a direct action.

• I need to sharpen this pencil.
• Taking additional courses could help sharpen your abilities.

This is often used in the context of making something more precise or focused, like honing a skill or an object such as a knife.

• He spent hours sharpening his knife before the camping trip
• Her training involved the sharpening of analytical skills

This is a general term for making something better, suitable for a broad range of situations from personal development to project updates.

• She noticed significant improvement in her health after the new diet
• The team discussed various improvements to the project plan

This is best suited for situations where something is made better by adding features or improving its quality.

• The latest software update includes several performance enhancements
• The company is working on the enhancement of their customer service

This word is used when making small, precise changes to enhance quality, often implying a higher degree of sophistication.

• The chef's recipe went through several refinements before it was perfect
• The artist spent weeks on the refinement of the sculpture's details

Used when making an edge or point sharper. This term is commonly used in the context of tools like knives, pencils, or blades.

• He spent the afternoon sharpening his kitchen knives

Implies refining or perfecting something over time. Often used in both literal and metaphorical senses, such as skills or blades.

• She took classes to hone her public speaking skills

Typically refers to the process of breaking something down into smaller particles or creating a sharp edge using friction. Often used in industrial or cooking contexts.

• The chef needs to grind the spices before adding them to the dish

Frequently used in a metaphorical sense meaning to improve or make more efficient. Can apply to skills, attitudes, or even focus. Informal usage.

• You need to sharpen up your resume before applying for the job