sift
sift Lexical Profile
sift Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To put a fine, loose, or powdery substance through a sieve so as to remove lumps or large particles.
"Always sift the flour and cocoa powder together before folding them into the batter."
To examine a large amount of information, evidence, or material thoroughly in order to isolate what is most important or useful.
"Researchers had to sift through thousands of archival documents to verify the historical timeline."
To fall or scatter loosely and lightly, as if passing through a sieve (especially of snow, dust, or light).
"Sunlight began to sift through the dense canopy of oak leaves onto the forest floor."
• noun
An act of passing a substance through a sieve, or of carefully examining and sorting through a collection of items or information.
"A quick sift through the old records revealed the missing contract."
• Rhymes for sift
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English siftan, of Proto-Germanic origin and directly related to the noun sieve (Old English sife).