afia

[uh-fee-uh]

verb

to sharpen; to whet

1. to make sharp or sharper by grinding or honing

He used a stone to sharpen the knife blade.

Ele usou uma pedra para afiar a lâmina da faca.

2. to refine or improve a skill or ability

Practice helps to sharpen your skills.

A prática ajuda a afiar suas habilidades.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

afiar

standard usage for sharpening tools or improving skills

Portugal

afiar

standard usage, common in both literal and figurative contexts

afiar a língua - to sharpen one's tongue (to become quick-witted)

afiar as garras - to sharpen one's claws (to prepare for confrontation)

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