whet

[hwet, wet]

whet Definition

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

Using whet: Examples

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

  • Example

    He whetted his knife on the stone.

  • Example

    The preview whetted my appetite for the movie.

  • Example

    The smell of fresh bread whetted her hunger.

  • Example

    The coach tried to whet the team's competitive spirit.

whet Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for whet

Antonyms for whet

Phrases with whet

  • 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 pub to whet his whistle.

  • whet someone's appetite

    to increase someone's interest or desire for something

    Example

    The trailer for the new movie really whetted my appetite to see it.

  • a stone used for sharpening knives or other cutting tools

    Example

    He used a whetstone to sharpen his hunting knife.

Origins of whet

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

📌

Summary: whet in Brief

'Whet' [hwet, wet] is a verb that means to sharpen a tool or weapon, or to stimulate someone's desire, interest, or appetite. Examples include 'He whetted his knife on the stone,' and 'The preview whetted my appetite for the movie.' Phrases like 'whet one's whistle' refer to drinking to quench one's thirst, while 'whet someone's appetite' means to increase their interest or desire for something.