noun a thing that stimulates or sharpens
verb to sharpen or stimulate
To whet the reader's curiosity means to sharpen or intensify their interest in a particular topic or story.
To whet one's appetite means to stimulate or increase one's desire for food.
To whet a knife means to sharpen it by rubbing it against a stone or other hard surface.
In the context of writing, 'whet' can be used to describe sharpening or stimulating the reader's interest or curiosity. For example, 'The opening paragraph of the novel served to whet the reader's appetite for what was to come.'
Psychologists may use 'whet' metaphorically to describe the process of increasing someone's awareness or desire for change. For instance, 'The therapist used various techniques to whet the client's motivation for personal growth.'
Chefs may use 'whet' to describe enhancing the flavors or appetites of diners. For example, 'The chef added a touch of spice to the dish to whet the palate of the guests.'
In marketing, 'whet' can be used to describe creating interest or desire for a product or service. For instance, 'The teaser campaign was designed to whet consumers' curiosity about the new product launch.'