Learn English – Words meaning changing from good to better

word-request

I am looking for verbs that can mean changing from good to better. "improve" can means changing from bad to less bad, so I am hesitant to use it.

For example, my presentation skills have been __ through my teaching assistant duties.

By the way, are there references that help with similar questions?

Thanks!

Best Answer

A very common metaphorical usage for OP's context is...

My presentation skills have been honed by my teaching assistant duties.

Hone, the verb, literally means to sharpen with a hone, a whetstone used to sharpen cutting tools. Use hone to describe someone working hard, perfecting or sharpening skills, as in "She is honing her skills as an actress by working in community theater."