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sift
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- pronunciation:
- sIft
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb)
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
sifts, sifting, sifted |
| definition 1: |
to pass or force through a sieve in order to retain or break up the larger parts.
- synonyms:
- bolt, screen, sieve
- similar words:
- cull, filter, filtrate, pan, rack, refine, separate, strain
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| definition 2: |
to spread or sprinkle using, or as though using, a sieve.
The child sifted sand over her toes.- synonyms:
- scatter, spread, sprinkle
- similar words:
- bolt, disperse, distribute, spray, strew, winnow
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| definition 3: |
to search through or question with close attention.
They sifted the evidence for clues.- synonyms:
- comb, examine, scan, scrutinize, winnow
- similar words:
- analyze, evaluate, explore, inspect, investigate, peruse, question, ransack, rummage, search, study
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| related words: |
cull, examine, mine, process, refine, rummage, screen, search, separate, sort |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition 1: |
to pass something through a sieve.
- synonyms:
- sieve
- similar words:
- filter, filtrate, pan, percolate, strain
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| definition 2: |
to scatter or fall from, or as though from, a sieve.
Snow sifted onto the housetops.- synonyms:
- effuse, scatter, sprinkle
- similar words:
- dispel, disperse, splash, splatter, spread
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| definition 3: |
to examine something in great detail.
She sifted through the report looking for errors.- synonyms:
- delve, explore, probe
- similar words:
- hunt, investigate, research, rummage, search
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| related words: |
delve, rout |
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| derivation: |
sifter (n.) |
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