Whetting: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ช
whetting
[ หwษtษชล ]
sharpening tools
Whetting refers to the process of sharpening a blade or edge. Typically, it involves the use of a whetstone or other tools to grind the metal until it reaches a fine point. Additionally, it can refer to intensifying or stimulating a feeling or desire, often used in a figurative sense. The term is often associated with preparing items for use, ensuring they perform effectively.
Synonyms
grind, hone, sharpen, stimulate
Examples of usage
- He spent the afternoon whetting his hunting knife.
- The chef is whetting his appetite for gourmet cuisine.
- Whetting the edge of the sword made it more effective for battle.
stimulating desire
In a more figurative sense, whetting can mean to excite or stimulate a desire or interest. For example, a teaser trailer for a movie may serve to whet the audience's anticipation. This usage emphasizes creating a heightened sense of yearning or eagerness for something to come.
Synonyms
arouse, excite, heighten, stimulate
Examples of usage
- The movie trailer was successful in whetting the audience's appetite for more.
- Her story only whetted my curiosity about the subject.
- The first chapter of the novel is designed to whet the reader's interest.
Translations
Translations of the word "whetting" in other languages:
๐ต๐น afiando
๐ฎ๐ณ เคคเฅเคเคผ เคเคฐเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Schรคrfen
๐ฎ๐ฉ mengasah
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะฐัะพััะฒะฐะฝะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ ostrzenie
๐ฏ๐ต ็ ใ
๐ซ๐ท aiguisement
๐ช๐ธ afilado
๐น๐ท keskinleลtirme
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ ์นด๋กญ๊ฒ ํ๊ธฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุดุญุฐ
๐จ๐ฟ ostลenรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ ostrenie
๐จ๐ณ ็ฃจๅฉ
๐ธ๐ฎ ostrenje
๐ฎ๐ธ skerpa
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัาฏะนัะตั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฎแแแแแก แแแฌแแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kษskinlษลdirmษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ afilado
Word origin
The word 'whetting' derives from the Old English term 'hwettan', which means 'to sharpen' or 'to incite'. This has roots in the Proto-Germanic '*hwatwลnฤ ', which is related to sharpening tools and enhancing abilities. Over time, the meaning expanded to include not only the physical act of sharpening but also the metaphorical act of stimulating desires or interests. The transition from a concrete task to a more abstract concept reflects the evolution of language, wherein practical actions can symbolize broader human experiences. The dual use of the word in both physical and figurative contexts illustrates the versatility and richness of the English language, linking the physical sharpening of a tool to the emotional sharpening of one's interests or appetites.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #36,166, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
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- 36163 onomatopoeia
- 36164 unframed
- 36165 starlet
- 36166 whetting
- 36167 reneging
- 36168 derisory
- 36169 incisively
- ...