sift
UK[sɪft]US[sɪft]
v
To put a dry substance through a sieve in order to remove large pieces or lumps, or to make it finer.
v
To examine information, evidence, or a group of things carefully in order to find something specific or to separate what is important or useful.
Etymology
The verb 'sift' originates from the Old English 'siftan', which meant to pass through a sieve. This Old English term is related to the Middle Low German 'siften' and the Dutch 'ziften', all sharing the core concept of separating finer particles from coarser ones. Its ultimate origin is likely Proto-Germanic, from a root meaning 'to sieve'. The semantic development is straightforward and concrete, moving from the literal, physical act of sieving flour or sand to the metaphorical process of carefully examining and sorting through information or details to isolate what is valuable.
Analysis
The word 'sift' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It is not productively composed of smaller, independent morphemes in modern English.
Examples
Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl before adding the eggs.
Investigators are sifting through the wreckage for clues to the cause of the crash.
You need to sift the facts from the rumors before making a decision.