Filters: meaning, definitions and examples

Also used to refer to tools in digital environments that control what content is displayed.

• Email filters, photo filters

Similar to a sieve, but often specifically for kitchen use, particularly for draining liquids while retaining solids.

• Tea strainer, pasta strainer

Refers to a tool with a mesh bottom used for separating fine particles from coarser ones, usually related to cooking, laboratory work, or construction.

• Flour sieve, laboratory test sieve

Commonly used to specify a surface that shields, contributes to privacy, or divides spaces, as well as a general term for TV or computer monitors.

• Window screen, TV screen

Often used to describe a network of interwoven or interconnected threads or wires, generally used for separation, filtration, or reinforcement purposes.

• Window mesh, mesh for furniture

Used when discussing devices or methods that remove unwanted substances from liquids, gases, or other materials.

• The coffee machine has built-in filters to ensure the best taste.
• He always uses filters when taking photos to enhance the colors.

Commonly used in sports or technology to describe someone or something that stops progress.

• The defender was an effective blocker during the game.
• He installed a pop-up blocker on his computer to avoid annoying ads.

Can refer to a physical mesh or device that separates or blocks, or to the showing of movies or videos.

• The windows have screens to keep out insects.
• We need to screen the film for any inappropriate scenes before the final release.

Used when referring to the suppression or prohibition of speech, communication, or other information that might be considered objectionable or harmful. Often has a negative connotation.

• The government decided to censor the article, claiming it was defamatory.
• Censorship of books in schools has been a heated topic of debate.

Used in photography or social media to describe changing or enhancing the appearance of images.

• She used various filters to make her photo look vintage
• Instagram offers many filters to give your pictures a unique look

Often used in cooking to describe removing liquid from solids by pouring through a sieve or filter.

• Strain the pasta after cooking
• She strained the juice to remove the pulp

Used when talking about removing contaminants to make something clean or safe, often in a more formal or technical context.

• The company developed a new method to purify drinking water
• Special chemicals are used to purify the air in hospitals

When talking about separating fine particles from coarse ones, usually in cooking or when searching through information.

• You need to sift the flour to avoid lumps in your cake
• She sifted through the documents to find the necessary information