Sifting: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when sorting or separating small particles, often in cooking or archeology.

• She was sifting the flour to remove lumps.
• The archaeologists were sifting through the soil to find artifacts.

Used to remove impurities or separate liquids from solids, common in science, water purification, and technology.

• He used a coffee filter to make his morning brew.
• The air filter needs to be changed every few months.

Used to remove liquid from solids, typically in cooking or when dealing with substances, sometimes implying effort.

• Strain the pasta after it’s cooked.
• He had to strain the mixture to remove any pulp.

Used to separate larger particles or to overlay information, often seen in construction, health, and technology.

• They used a screen to separate the gravel from the sand.
• Screening patients for early signs of disease is important.

Ideal for situations where you are separating or filtering through a material or information to find specific items or details. Common in physical contexts such as searching through sand or flour.

• The archaeologists spent hours sifting through the dirt to find ancient artifacts.
• She was sifting through old emails to find the contact information.

Used when examining something systematically and in detail, especially for the purpose of explaining and interpreting it. Common in academic, scientific, and technical scenarios.

• The researchers analyzed the data to find trends.
• Before making a decision, he analyzed all the possible outcomes.

Best used when closely and critically examining or observing something, often implying looking for errors, faults, or irregularities. Can carry a more intense or thorough connotation and may have a slightly negative connotation depending on the context.

• The auditor scrutinized the financial records for any discrepancies.
• He always scrutinizes the fine print before signing any contract.

Ideal when referring to a thorough examination to ensure that everything is correct, in order, or in good condition. Often used in contexts requiring visual checks or official reviews, such as quality control or safety inspections.

• The officer inspected the vehicle for any signs of damage.
• Before we start the project, we need to inspect the site.