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Sifting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sifting

[หˆsษชftษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

flour, sand, etc.

To separate or remove something by passing it through a device with a series of holes or meshes.

Synonyms

filter, screen, strain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sifting

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.
filter

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.
strain

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

  • Strain the pasta after itโ€™s cooked.
  • He had to strain the mixture to remove any pulp.
screen

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.

Examples of usage

  • The flour needs to be sifted before adding it to the mixture.
  • She sifted the sand to remove any impurities.
  • We need to sift through the documents to find the relevant information.
Context #2 | Verb

information, evidence, etc.

To examine or evaluate carefully and thoroughly.

Synonyms

analyze, inspect, scrutinize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sifting

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.
analyze

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.
scrutinize

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.
inspect

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.

Examples of usage

  • The detective sifted through the evidence to solve the case.
  • We need to sift the information to determine its accuracy.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary

  • In baking, sifting flour helps remove lumps and aerate the mixture, making baked goods lighter.
  • Chefs often sift powdered sugar to ensure a smooth texture for frostings and desserts.

Science

  • Sifting is used in experiments to separate substances of different sizes, such as in soil analysis.
  • Researchers use sifting techniques to filter out unwanted particles in chemical processes.

Literature

  • The process of sifting is often used metaphorically in literature to describe discovering deeper truths or meanings.
  • In poetry, the act of sifting through emotions can highlight a character's internal struggle.

Technology

  • In data processing, algorithms sift through large amounts of information to identify relevant data.
  • Machine learning models often sift through patterns in data to make predictions or decisions.

Origin of 'sifting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sift' comes from the Old English 'siftan', which meant to separate or spread.
  • It originally referred to the act of pouring items through a sieve to separate fine particles from coarse ones.

The word 'sifting' has its origin in Old English 'siftan', which means 'to separate with a sieve'. The process of sifting has been used for centuries to separate fine particles from coarser ones, whether in flour, sand, or information. Over time, 'sifting' has evolved to also mean carefully examining or evaluating something. It continues to be a common term used in various contexts today.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,524, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.