whetting

[ˈwɛtɪŋ]

whetting Definition

  • 1sharpen the blade of (a tool or weapon)
  • 2excite or stimulate (someone's desire, interest, or appetite)

Using whetting: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "whetting" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He was whetting his knife on a stone.

  • Example

    The appetizers were served to whet our appetite.

  • Example

    The preview whetted my interest in the movie.

  • Example

    The coach gave a pep talk to whet the team's competitive spirit.

whetting Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for whetting

Phrases with whetting

  • whet one's whistle

    to drink something, especially an alcoholic beverage, to quench one's thirst

    Example

    After a long day at work, he went to the bar to whet his whistle.

  • whet someone's appetite

    to increase someone's desire for something, especially food or drink

    Example

    The aroma of the freshly baked bread whetted our appetite.

  • to prepare for something in advance and wait patiently for the right moment to act

    Example

    He whetted the knife and let it wait for the fish, ready to strike when the opportunity arose.

Origins of whetting

from Old English 'hwettan', meaning 'to sharpen'

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Summary: whetting in Brief

'Whetting' [ˈwɛtɪŋ] refers to sharpening a tool or weapon, or stimulating someone's desire, interest, or appetite. It can be used literally, as in 'He was whetting his knife on a stone,' or figuratively, as in 'The preview whetted my interest in the movie.' The phrase 'whet one's whistle' means to drink something to quench one's thirst, while 'whet someone's appetite' means to increase someone's desire for something.