hone
To hone means to make or become sharper, more precise, or more skilled at something.
When we say that someone has honed their skills, it usually means they've been practicing and getting better at what they do. For example, if a musician practices playing her instrument for hours every day, she's probably honing her musical skills. It can also mean to make something sharper or more precise, like a knife that needs to be hone before you use it. Some people even talk about hone their instincts, meaning they trust their gut feelings and reactions more and more as they get experience in life.
How common is "hone"?
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
noun
A sharpening stone composed of extra-fine grit used for removing the burr or curl from the blade of a razor or some other edge tool.
verb
To sharpen with a hone; to whet.
Real examples of "hone" in context
