Whet: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ช
whet
[ wษt ]
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
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:
๐ต๐น afiar
๐ฎ๐ณ เคงเคพเคฐ เคเคฐเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช schรคrfen
๐ฎ๐ฉ mengasah
๐บ๐ฆ ัะพัะธัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ ostrzyฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ็ ใ
๐ซ๐ท aiguiser
๐ช๐ธ afilado
๐น๐ท keskinleลtirmek
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ ์นด๋กญ๊ฒ ํ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุดุญุฐ
๐จ๐ฟ ostลit
๐ธ๐ฐ ostriลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ็ฃจๅฟซ
๐ธ๐ฎ ostriti
๐ฎ๐ธ skera
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถัาฃััะบะต
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฎแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kษskinlษลdirmษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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 '*hwatwลnฤ ', 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.