sift
|sift|
/sɪft/
filtering
Etymology
'sift' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'siftan,' where 'siftan' meant 'to pass through a sieve.'
'siftan' transformed into the Middle English word 'siften,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sift'.
Initially, it meant 'to pass through a sieve,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to examine thoroughly.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to put a substance through a sieve to remove lumps or large particles.
She sifted the flour before adding it to the mixture.
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Verb 2
to examine something thoroughly to isolate that which is most important or useful.
The detective sifted through the evidence to find the crucial clue.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/14 18:06