'affile' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'affilare,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'filare' meant 'to thread or spin.'

'affilare' transformed into the Old French word 'afiler,' and eventually became the modern English word 'affile' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to thread or spin,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to polish or refine.'