sharpen
/ˈʃɑːpən/ · /ˈʃɑːrpən/
CEFR level B2Topic Daily lifeWord #4337 in the learning path
磨快；削尖
Definitions
v. To make an edge or point sharper.
磨快；削尖
v. To make a skill, sense, or quality more effective.
提高；增强
Example
I sharpened my pencil before sketching the sleeping cat.
画那只熟睡的猫之前，我削尖了铅笔。
Classroom debates can sharpen students' critical thinking skills by encouraging them to examine competing arguments.
课堂辩论鼓励学生审视相互对立的论点，从而提高批判性思维能力。
Collocations
- sharpen a pencil
- sharpen a knife
- sharpen skills
- sharpen focus
Word family
- sharp (adj.)
- sharpener (n.)
- sharply (adv.)
- sharpness (n.)
Synonyms
- hone
Antonyms
- blunt
Usage tip
sharp加-en构成动词，也可比喻提升技能。
FAQ
- What does sharpen mean?
- To make an edge or point sharper. To make a skill, sense, or quality more effective.
- How is sharpen pronounced?
- UK /ˈʃɑːpən/, US /ˈʃɑːrpən/. Use the audio buttons above to listen.
