Definition

To make something sharp or to increase its sharpness.

Example

I need to sharpen my pencil before the exam.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I need to sharpen my kitchen knives this weekend.

That sounds like a good idea; dull knives can be dangerous.

Yeah, I just don't know the best way to sharpen them.

You could use a sharpening stone or take them to a professional.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sharpen → It is formed from "sharp" (from Old English *scearp*, meaning having a fine edge or point) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating to cause to become). The word "sharpen" means to cause something to become sharp or to make an edge finer.

Memory Tip

Think of making something 'sharp' — the suffix '-en' means to cause to become, so when you sharpen, you are making something sharp.

Visually Confused Words