affilare

to sharpen

verb ahf-fee-LAH-reh Rare

Origin: From a- + filo 'thread, edge,' from Latin filum

Usage Note

Affilare means to sharpen a blade, knife, or cutting tool by honing the edge. It takes avere as auxiliary. The related adjective affilato ('sharp') is also used figuratively — una mente affilata ('a sharp mind'), lineamenti affilati ('sharp, angular facial features'). Do not confuse with arrotare, which refers to grinding on a wheel.

Examples

"Ha affilato il coltello prima di cucinare."

Natural Translation

He sharpened the knife before cooking.

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