sift

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to pass a dry substance through a sieve in order to remove lumps or separate particles

   Sift the flour into the bowl before adding the butter.

2. 2
   verb

   to examine information, objects, or evidence carefully in order to separate what is useful or true

   Investigators sifted the records for evidence of the missing payment.

3. 3
   verb

   to fall, scatter, or move through openings in a fine, light stream

   Powdery snow sifted through the branches in the morning sun.

From Middle English syften and Old English siftan, inherited from a West Germanic verb associated with sieves and separation. The physical action of separating particles produced the figurative sense of examining evidence or information carefully.

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