Whet: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ช
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whet

 

[ wษ›t ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

sharpening knife

To 'whet' means to sharpen a blade, particularly that of a knife, by grinding or honing it against a hard surface. It can also refer to the process of stimulating or increasing something, such as appetite or interest. This term is often used in contexts of preparation, be it culinary or motivational, suggesting a readiness for more. Thus, it conveys both a literal and figurative sense of heightening or sharpening.

Synonyms

hone, sharp, stimulate.

Examples of usage

  • He used a whetstone to whet the knife before cutting the meat.
  • The chef's tantalizing dishes whetted my appetite.
  • She shared an engaging story to whet the students' interest in literature.

Translations

Translations of the word "whet" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น afiar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคงเคพเคฐ เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช schรคrfen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mengasah

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะพั‡ะธั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ostrzyฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ ”ใ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท aiguiser

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ afilado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท keskinleลŸtirmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‚ ์นด๋กญ๊ฒŒ ํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดุญุฐ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ostล™it

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ostriลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฃจๅฟซ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ostriti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skera

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถั–าฃั–ัˆะบะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒฎแƒ•แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kษ™skinlษ™ลŸdirmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ afilado

Etymology

The word 'whet' originates from the Old English word 'hwettan', which means to sharpen. Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*hwatwลnฤ…', which also conveyed the sense of sharpening or sharpening the edge of a tool or weapon. Historically, the act of whetting has been crucial for maintaining tools and weapons throughout history, enabling their effective use in various trades. Over time, the term expanded beyond its literal meaning to encompass the figurative sharpening of appetites or interests. This evolution reflects the essential human experience of preparation and anticipation, where whetting can serve to ready oneself for an upcoming event or experience, whether it is a meal or an engaging idea. The preservation of this term in modern English illustrates its enduring relevance in both practical and metaphorical contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,368, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.