SIFT
WordNet
verb
(1) Distinguish and separate out
"Sift through the job candidates"
(2) Separate by passing through a sieve or other straining device to separate out coarser elements
"Sift the flour"
(3) Check and sort carefully
"Sift the information"
(4) Move as if through a sieve
"The soldiers sifted through the woods"
WiktionaryText
Verb
- To sieve or strain (something).
- To separate or scatter (things) as if by sieving.
- To examine (something) carefully.
- 1748. David Hume. Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. § 28.
- But if we still carry on our sifting humour, and ask, What is the foundation of all conclusions from experience ? this implies a new question.
- 1748. David Hume. Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. § 28.