smarten

American  

[smahr-tn] / ˈsmɑr tn /

verb (used with object)

1. to make more trim or spruce; improve in appearance (usually followed byup ).

   Try to smarten up your outfit.

2. to make brisker, as a pace.

3. to sharpen the judgment or broaden the experience of; educate (usually followed byup ).

   Someone has to smarten him up about dealing with people.

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verb phrase

1. smarten up

   1. to groom oneself.

      to smarten up before dinner.

   2. 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.

smarten British  

/ ˈsmɑːtən /

verb

1. (intr) to make oneself neater

2. (tr) to make quicker or livelier

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Etymology

Origin of smarten

First recorded in 1805–15; smart + -en ¹

Example Sentences

“I would like to see people smarten up so that we don’t have to have a mandate in the first place,” she said.

From New York Times • Dec. 27, 2021

MPs have been told to smarten up their clothing when they return from summer recess to the Commons next week.

From BBC • Sep. 4, 2021

It’s also a self-protective reflex in the workplace: there’s vindication in seeing a boss who’s always telling others to smarten up wearing her sweater inside-out.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2018

Of course that goes for Billie Dawn, the ex-showgirl who bubbles along on Brock’s arm without a care in her head until Brock hires Verrall to smarten her up.

From Washington Post • Sep. 27, 2018

But she been needing to smarten up since she was borned.

From "Girls Like Us" by Gail Giles