Filter: meaning, definitions and examples

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filter

[ˈfɪltər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

computing

To process or manipulate data according to specified criteria.

Synonyms

screen, select, sort.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
filter	Use this word when referring to the process of removing unwanted elements from a mixture or allowing only certain elements to pass through. It is commonly used in contexts like email management, photography, and water purification. I need to filter my inbox to manage spam emails. The camera has a special filter for capturing vibrant colors. You should filter the water before drinking it.
screen	This word is often used when checking or examining something to decide if it meets certain criteria. It's frequently used in medical testing, job recruitment, and security. We need to screen all job applicants before the final interview. Passengers are required to screen their bags at the airport. Doctors screen patients for potential health issues.
sort	This word is appropriate when arranging items in a particular order or sequence according to specific criteria. It's useful in contexts like data organization, laundry, and categorizing items. I need to sort these files by date. He sorted the laundry into dark and light colors. Let's sort the data alphabetically for easier access.
select	It's best to use select when choosing something from a group based on specific criteria or preference. It is often found in everyday decisions, product choices, and academic selection processes. You can select your preferred language during the registration process. She had to select the best candidate from a large pool of applicants. Please select the textbook you need for this semester.

Examples of usage

Please filter the results based on the user's input.
The software allows you to filter the data by date or category.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

household

A porous device for removing impurities or solid particles from a liquid or gas passed through it.

Synonyms

cleaner, purifier, strainer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
filter	Used in a general sense to remove impurities or unwanted elements from a substance, commonly used for air, water, or digital content. The air filter in the car needs to be replaced every six months. He used a filter to block spam emails in his inbox.
strainer	Used to refer to a kitchen tool that separates solid food from liquids. It is often used in cooking to drain pasta, vegetables, or to sift flour. She used a strainer to drain the spaghetti before adding the sauce. After washing the berries, he placed them in a strainer to remove excess water.
purifier	Specifically used to describe a device or substance that removes contaminants to make air or water pure. It implies making the substance free from all impurities. They installed a water purifier to ensure safe drinking water. An air purifier can help remove allergens from your home.
cleaner	Refers to a device or substance used to make something clean, typically removing dirt, dust, or stains. It is often used in the context of cleaning surfaces, floors, or objects. She bought a new vacuum cleaner to keep the house tidy. This glass cleaner works great on windows and mirrors.

Examples of usage

The water filter needs to be replaced every six months.
This air filter is designed to trap dust and allergens.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'filtrum', meaning 'felt' or 'wool', which was used to strain liquids.
In Middle English, 'filter' referred specifically to a piece of cloth used for these purposes, showing how the word transitioned from a physical object to a process.
Originally linked to the act of straining, the term has evolved to describe both physical and digital processes for separating information or substances.

Science

In chemistry, filters are crucial for purifying liquids or gases by removing sediments or impurities.
Water purification systems rely heavily on different types of filters to ensure safe drinking water.
In biology, filters refer to the mechanisms that organisms use to extract food from water, such as in filter-feeding species.

Technology

Digital filters help process signals in electronics, improving sound quality in devices like smartphones.
In computer networks, filters can control the flow of information to protect against malicious content.
Social media platforms apply filters to posts to curate user experience, ensuring relevant content is shown to users.

Art and Communication

Photographic filters are used to enhance images, changing colors and contrast, and influencing how we perceive the world.
In linguistics, a 'filter' can refer to the lens through which we interpret spoken or written language, shaping meaning.
Artists often use filters conceptually to convey emotions or themes, framing their work in unique ways.

Psychology

The brain acts as a filter by prioritizing certain sensory inputs, which influences our perception and focus.
Cognitive filters can affect decision-making, as individuals discard information that contradicts their beliefs.
Social filters govern how we present ourselves online vs. offline, shaping identities and interactions.

Translations

Translations of the word "filter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 filtro

🇮🇳 फ़िल्टर

🇩🇪 Filter

🇮🇩 filter

🇺🇦 фільтр

🇵🇱 filtr

🇯🇵 フィルター

🇫🇷 filtre

🇪🇸 filtro

🇹🇷 filtre

🇰🇷 필터

🇸🇦 مرشح

🇨🇿 filtr

🇸🇰 filter

🇨🇳 过滤器

🇸🇮 filter

🇮🇸 sía

🇰🇿 фильтр

🇬🇪 ფილტრი

🇦🇿 filter

🇲🇽 filtro

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,331, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3328 anxious
3329 sacrifice
3330 bus
3331 filter
3332 furniture
3333 guns
3334 nodded
...