1520s, "bring to an edge or point," from sharp (adj.) + -en (1). Related: Sharpened; sharpening. Old English verb scearpian meant "to score, scarify;" also compare scearpung "scarifying." To sharpen (one's) pencil "prepare to get to work" is from 1957, American English.
权威例句
1. Ginny tried to sharpen up some rusty typing skills.
金尼试图重拾生疏了的打字技术。
2. She needs to sharpen up before next month's competition.
下个月比赛之前,她的水平需要提高一下.
3. This exercise will help students sharpen up their reading skills.
这个练习将帮助学生提高阅读能力.
4. The training is designed to sharpen the fighter's reflexes.