砥砺
whetstone; temper; encourage
Meanings
3 senses · 8 examplesnoun
whetstone; grindstone
archaicSpecifically refers to a fine-grained stone for sharpening blades, now chiefly used in literary or archaic contexts.
He needs a whetstone to sharpen his precious sword.
With a heart like iron and a will stronger than gold, using life as a whetstone.
verb
to temper; to hone; to steel (oneself)
literaryUsed abstractly to refer to the process of strengthening one's character, will, or skills through hardship.
Hardships can temper one's revolutionary will.
He honed his character in the army camp.
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Only by continually honing one's skills can one become a master.
verb
to encourage; to urge; to exhort
literaryTo give support, advice, or inspiration to someone, often to help them persevere or improve.
Friends should encourage each other and make progress together.
The teacher's words constantly urge me forward.
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He takes the ancient sages as his model to exhort himself.