What does smartening mean?
“Smartening” is the present participle of the verb “smarten,” meaning to make someone or something more intelligent, knowledgeable, alert, or capable of sound judgment. It may also describe a person becoming sharper in thought or awareness. In everyday use, the expression “smarten up” can suggest making a person’s appearance, style, or presentation more attractive, as in “He smartened up before the interview.” In educational or professional contexts, it more often refers to improving skills and understanding, such as a programme designed to smarten up employees’ analytical abilities. The word is comparatively uncommon and can sound formal or slightly old-fashioned, but it remains natural in both British and American English. Its present-participle form is used directly in progressive constructions and is especially likely to appear before an adverb such as “up.”
verbTo make someone or something more intelligent, knowledgeable, or capable of good judgment. It can also mean to become smarter.
- To make someone more intelligent, knowledgeable, or capable of good judgment.
- To become more intelligent, knowledgeable, or capable.
"The course smartened up her understanding of financial markets."
"Reading widely can smarten up your understanding of history."
"She smartened considerably after several years working abroad."
To smarten something is to improve its thinking—not merely to decorate or make it look impressive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of smartening
“Smarten” was formed in the early 19th century from “smart,” an adjective meaning intellectually alert, accomplished, or stylish, together with the suffix “-en.” The older word “smart” derives ultimately from Middle English “smerte,” meaning sharp or keen, and relates to forms in several Germanic languages. Although “smarten” is now less common than “smart,” it gave rise to the familiar idiomatic expression “smarten up.”
Related word forms
How smartening is actually used
The verb is relatively uncommon and sounds somewhat formal or old-fashioned. The phrasal expression “smarten up” is especially idiomatic and may mean either becoming more alert and attractive or improving one's knowledge and judgment.
Easily confused with smartening
“Smarting” is the present participle of “smart,” whereas “smartening” comes from the separate verb “smarten,” meaning to make or become more intelligent or capable.