hone

• Nom désignant une pierre ou un outil servant à affûter les tranchants, comme ceux des couteaux ou des rasoirs, ou verbe signifiant affûter ou perfectionner une compétence.

A noun referring to a stone tool used for sharpening cutting edges, such as knives or razors, or a verb meaning to sharpen or refine a skill.

1. Sharpening toolC1formal

   A stone or device used for sharpening cutting tools, such as razors or knives.

   Pierre à aiguiser, outil d'affûtage

   • He used a hone to sharpen the blade of his knife.
   • The barber's hone was worn from years of use.
   • A fine-grained hone is essential for a razor-sharp edge.

   Synonymesgrindstoneoilstonewhetstone

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action d'aiguiser ou d'affiner une compétence, une capacité ou un objet afin de le rendre plus efficace ou plus précis.

A verb used to indicate the act of sharpening or refining a skill, ability, or object to make it more effective or precise.

1. B2formal

   To sharpen a blade or tool on a whetstone or other abrasive surface.

   Aiguiser

   • The chef honed his knives before preparing the meal.
   • He honed the blade to a razor-sharp edge.
   • The craftsman honed the chisel for precise woodworking.

   Synonymesedgefilegrindrubsharpenwhet

2. Refine or perfectB2formal

   To improve or perfect a skill, ability, or technique over time through practice.

   affiner, perfectionner

   • She honed her public speaking skills through years of practice.
   • The athlete honed his technique for the competition.
   • He honed his writing style by reading great authors.

   Synonymesbettercultivatedevelopimproveperfectpolishrefinesharpen

   Antonymesbluntdullworsen