sharpened

• Descreve algo que foi tornado afiado ou mais afiado, usado literalmente para lâminas ou figuradamente para habilidades ou sentimentos.

Describes something that has been made sharp or more acute, often used literally for blades or figuratively for skills or senses.

1. Having a sharp point or edgeB1formal

   Describes an object whose point or cutting edge has been made sharp, typically by grinding or honing.

   Afiado

   • He used a sharpened pencil to draw the sketch.
   • The chef preferred a sharpened knife for precise cuts.
   • She carried a sharpened stick for protection.

   Sinônimosgroundkeensharp

   Antônimosblunteddulled

2. B2formal

   Refers to something that has been made sharper or more acute, either physically or metaphorically.

   Afiado

   • His sharpened senses detected the subtle change in the air.
   • The sharpened focus of the team led to a breakthrough.
   • Her sharpened wit made the conversation lively.

   Sinônimosedgedgroundintensified

   Antônimosblunteddulled

• Verbo usado para indicar a ação de afiar algo ou de melhorar uma habilidade ou capacidade.

A verb used to indicate the act of making something sharp or sharper, or improving a skill or ability.

1. Make sharp or sharperA2formal

   To make the edge or point of something more acute or keen.

   Afiar

   • He sharpened the kitchen knife before cutting the vegetables.
   • She sharpened her pencil with a small sharpener.
   • The barber sharpens his razors every morning.

   Sinônimosacuminateedgefilegrindhonewhet

   Antônimosbluntdull

2. Make crisp or more preciseB2formal

   To make something clearer, more distinct, or more exact.

   Tornar mais preciso

   • The editor sharpened the article's focus.
   • She sharpened her argument with new evidence.
   • The training helped sharpen his analytical skills.

   Sinônimosclarifyenhancefocushoneimprovepolishrefinetighten

   Antônimosblurcloudfuzzmuddleobscure

3. Become sharp or sharperB1formal

   To become more acute or keen in quality or sensation.

   Aguçar-se

   • His reflexes sharpened after months of practice.
   • The cold air sharpened her senses.
   • As the deadline approached, his focus sharpened.

   Sinônimosheightenintensifyquicken

   Antônimosbluntdull

4. Put an image into focusB1formal

   To adjust an optical device so that the image becomes clear and distinct.

   Ajustar a nitidez

   • He sharpened the image using the camera's manual focus.
   • The photographer sharpened the picture in post-processing.
   • She sharpened the microscope's lens to see the cells clearly.

   Sinônimosfocus

   Antônimosblur

5. Make images or sounds sharp or sharperB2formal

   To enhance the clarity or definition of visual or auditory signals.

   Aumentar a nitidez

   • The software can sharpen blurry photos.
   • He sharpened the audio track to reduce background noise.
   • The technician sharpened the video signal for better quality.

   Sinônimosaccentuateclarifyenhancefocusheightenintensifyrefine

   Antônimosblurdullfuzzmufflesoften

6. Raise the pitch of musical notesB2formal

   To increase the frequency of a musical note, making it higher in pitch.

   Elevar a altura da nota

   • The musician sharpened the note by adjusting the tuning peg.
   • She sharpened the melody to create a more dramatic effect.
   • The composer instructed the violinist to sharpen the final chord.

   Sinônimosraisesharp

   Antônimosflattenlower

7. Give a point toA2formal

   To make something pointed or tapered at the end.

   Apontar

   • He sharpened the stick to use as a tent peg.
   • She sharpened the end of the dowel for the craft project.
   • The artist sharpened the charcoal stick for fine lines.

   Sinônimosacuminatepointtaper

   Antônimosbluntdull

8. Make one's senses more acuteB2formal

   To heighten or refine one's perception or awareness.

   Aguçar

   • Meditation helps sharpen your mental focus.
   • The intense training sharpened his instincts.
   • She sharpened her hearing by practicing in noisy environments.

   Sinônimosenhanceheightenhoneintensifyquickenrefinewhet

   Antônimosbluntdull