hone
Translation
to hone, to sharpen, to perfect
Examples
He honed the knife on a whetstone.
He honed the knife on a whetstone.
She honed her debating skills at college.
She honed her debating skills at college.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to sharpen or perfect (sth.) She honed her skills as a singer.
Similar Words
Synonyms: sharpen, whet, perfect, refine
Etymology
From Old English 'hān', meaning 'stone'. It relates to the stone (whetstone) used for sharpening things.
Memory Tips
Picture honing something on a stone to make it perfect. You can literally hone a knife or figuratively hone a skill.