sharpened
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈʃɑː.pənd/
KK: /ˈʃɑr.pənd/
adjective
Definition
Having a fine point or edge that can cut or pierce easily.
Example
The sharpened pencil made it easy to write clearly.
Conversation
I just bought some new pencils for drawing.
Oh nice! Are they already sharpened?
Yes, they came sharpened right out of the box.
That's perfect! It saves you time when you're ready to start.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pointed
keen
acuminate
Antonyms
blunt
dull
rounded
verb
Definition
To make something sharp or sharper, often by grinding or cutting it.
Example
He sharpened his pencil before the exam.
Tense Forms
Past: sharpened
Past Participle: sharpened
Conversation
I just sharpened my pencils for the art class.
Nice! That always helps with getting better lines.
Yeah, I really want to make my drawings pop this time.
Root Explanation
Sharpened → It is formed from "sharp" (from Old English "scearp", meaning having a fine edge or point) and "-ened" (a suffix indicating a change of state or condition). The word "sharpened" means made sharp or having been made to have a fine edge or point.
Memory Tip
Think of something that has been made 'sharp' — the '-ened' shows that it has undergone a change to become sharper.
Visually Confused Words
unsharpened
shagreened
shrend
shapen
shaped