sift
UK: sɪft | US: sɪft
vt. to separate and remove larger or unwanted parts from smaller or finer ones, especially by passing through a sieve
vt. to examine something carefully in order to isolate what is important or useful
vi. (archaic) to pass or fall as if through a sieve
The word "sift" traces back to Old English siftan, meaning "to sieve" or "to filter." It is related to the Proto-Germanic siftijaną, which also meant "to sift" or "to strain." The core idea has always revolved around separating finer particles from coarser ones, whether literally (as in flour) or metaphorically (as in information). Over time, the word retained its original spelling and meaning, evolving slightly to include abstract uses like scrutinizing details.
She sifted the flour to remove any lumps before baking.
Detectives sifted through the evidence to find clues.
The wind sifted the sand into delicate patterns.
He sifted the data to identify key trends.
(Archaic) The snow sifted softly through the trees.