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Whetting: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ช
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whetting

 

[ หˆwษ›tษชล‹ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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.
Context #2 | Verb

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น afiando

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคคเฅ‡เคœเคผ เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schรคrfen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mengasah

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฐั‚ะพั‡ัƒะฒะฐะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ostrzenie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ ”ใ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท aiguisement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ afilado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท keskinleลŸtirme

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‚ ์นด๋กญ๊ฒŒ ํ•˜๊ธฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดุญุฐ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ostล™enรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ostrenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฃจๅˆฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ostrenje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skerpa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚าฏะนั€ะตัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒฎแƒ•แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜แƒก แƒ’แƒแƒฌแƒ•แƒ แƒ—แƒœแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kษ™skinlษ™ลŸdirmษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ afilado

Etymology

The word 'whetting' derives from the Old English term 'hwettan', which means 'to sharpen' or 'to incite'. This has roots in the Proto-Germanic '*hwatwลnฤ…', 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.