Sift Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sift

[sɪft ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to separate

To sift means to separate and remove particles by passing them through a sieve or similar device. It can also refer to examining something thoroughly in order to select or separate out the important or valuable parts.

Synonyms

filter, screen, strain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sift

Use when you want to separate fine particles from larger ones, often in baking or to find something specific by examining all elements carefully.

  • Sift the flour to remove any lumps.
  • The police will sift through the evidence to find clues.
filter

Apply when you want to remove unwanted materials or impurities from a mixture, commonly used in both literal and figurative senses.

  • You need to filter the water before drinking it.
  • She struggled to filter out the noise in the café to focus on her study.
screen

Appropriate when you want to examine something for specific qualities or to protect from unwanted elements. Often used in medical or security contexts.

  • All passengers must be screened for dangerous items before boarding the plane.
  • The students were screened for learning disabilities.
strain

Best used when you need to remove solid particles from liquid by pouring through a mesh or cloth. Can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of effort or difficulty.

  • Strain the pasta after boiling it.
  • She had to strain the fruit juice to remove the seeds.

Examples of usage

  • She sifted the flour to remove any lumps before baking.
  • He sifted through the evidence to find the key information.
Context #2 | Noun

fine particles

As a noun, sift refers to fine particles that have been separated or sifted out from a mixture. These particles are usually smaller and lighter than the rest of the mixture.

Examples of usage

  • The sift left in the flour helped to make the cake light and fluffy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'sift'

The word 'sift' originated from Old English 'siftan', which is related to the Dutch word 'zeven' and the German word 'sieben', all meaning 'to sift'. The concept of sifting has been used for centuries in various cultures to separate different components of a mixture.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,416, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.