smarten
[ smahr-tn ]
/ ˈsmɑr tn /
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verb (used with object)
to make more trim or spruce; improve in appearance (usually followed by up): Try to smarten up your outfit.
to make brisker, as a pace.
to sharpen the judgment or broaden the experience of; educate (usually followed by up): Someone has to smarten him up about dealing with people.
Verb Phrases
smarten up,
- to groom oneself: to smarten up before dinner.
- to become aware of one's mistakes, shortcomings, etc., and make efforts to correct them: If you don't smarten up, you're going to be out of a job.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
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The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Words nearby smarten
smart card, smart casual, smart drink, smart drug, smart dust, smarten, smartish, smart mob, smart money, smartmouth, smartphone
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for smarten
British Dictionary definitions for smarten
smarten
/ (ˈsmɑːtən) /
verb (usually foll by up)
(intr) to make oneself neater
(tr) to make quicker or livelier
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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