How Do You Spell SIFT?

Pronunciation: [sˈɪft] (IPA)

The word "sift" is spelled as /sɪft/. The "s" is pronounced as /s/ and the "i" as /ɪ/, forming the /sɪ/ sound. The letter "f" is pronounced as /f/ and the final "t" as /t/. The word means to separate out unwanted material from something by passing it through a sieve or similar device. Proper spelling is important for clear communication and avoiding confusion. So, always take extra care while spelling words like "sift."

SIFT Meaning and Definition

  1. Sift is a verb that refers to the action of carefully examining or analyzing things in order to separate and extract valuable or important elements or information from a larger whole. It involves the process of subjecting substances or materials to a thorough inspection by passing them through a filter or sieve to separate the finer particles or components from the coarser ones.

    In a literal sense, when one sifts through something, like flour or sand, they use a sieve or similar tool to remove impurities or larger objects. This process ensures a smoother and more refined result in various areas such as cooking, construction, or manufacturing.

    Metaphorically, sift can also be used to describe the meticulous examination or evaluation of information or situations to find the crucial or valuable aspects. It is often used in the context of analyzing data, evidence, or details to extract essential knowledge, patterns, or insights. In this sense, to sift through information allows one to separate noise from signal, discarding irrelevant or inconsequential elements to focus on what is truly important.

    The act of sifting can also connote a careful and systematic search or exploration of possibilities, ideas, or options. By sifting through alternatives or options, one is trying to examine each one individually in order to make a well-thought-out decision or choice.

    Overall, the verb sift implies a process of careful examination, separation, and analysis, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense, in order to extract valuable or essential aspects from a larger or more complex whole.

  2. To separate by shaking a sieve; to pass through a sieve; to examine minutely or critically.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SIFT *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SIFT

Etymology of SIFT

The word "sift" originated from the Middle English term "siften", which can be traced back to the Old English word "siftan". The Old English root "siftan" is believed to have been derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*siftijaną". This Proto-Germanic word ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European base "*seib" or "*seip", which means "to pour out". Over time, "sift" has evolved to specifically refer to the process of separating or sorting fine particles from larger ones by passing them through a sieve or a similar instrument.

Idioms with the word SIFT

  • sift sth from sth The idiom "sift sth from sth" means to carefully separate or extract something valuable from a larger mixture or collection. It often refers to the process of extracting or sorting out important information, factors, or elements from a complex or confusing set of data, details, or circumstances.
  • sift through sth The idiom "sift through something" means to carefully examine or search through a large amount of information, data, objects, or material in order to find what is relevant or important. It often implies that the process requires patience, attention, and thoroughness.
  • sift through The idiom "sift through" means to carefully examine or search through a large amount of information, options, or materials in order to find what is relevant or useful. It implies a process of separating and evaluating different elements to identify the most important or valuable ones.
  • sift sth out of sth The idiom "sift something out of something" means to separate and extract something valuable or useful from a mixture or larger group. It implies the act of carefully examining or searching through something to identify and isolate the particular item or information desired.
  • sift sth through sth The idiom "sift sth through sth" refers to the act of carefully examining or scrutinizing something, typically a large amount of information or data, in order to separate or extract what is useful, relevant, or important. It implies a process of filtering or sorting through the content to identify key elements or crucial details.

Similar spelling words for SIFT

Conjugate verb Sift

CONDITIONAL

I would sift
you would sift
he/she/it would sift
we would sift
they would sift

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be sifting
you would be sifting
he/she/it would be sifting
we would be sifting
they would be sifting

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have sift
you would have sift
he/she/it would have sift
we would have sift
they would have sift

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been sifting
you would have been sifting
he/she/it would have been sifting
we would have been sifting
they would have been sifting

FUTURE

I will sift
you will sift
he/she/it will sift
we will sift
they will sift

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be sifting
you will be sifting
he/she/it will be sifting
we will be sifting
they will be sifting

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have sifted
you will have sifted
he/she/it will have sifted
we will have sifted
they will have sifted

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been sifting
you will have been sifting
he/she/it will have been sifting
we will have been sifting
they will have been sifting

IMPERATIVE

you sift
we let´s sift

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to sift

PAST

I sifted
you sifted
he/she/it sifted
we sifted
they sifted

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was sifting
you were sifting
he/she/it was sifting
we were sifting
they were sifting

PAST PARTICIPLE

sifted

PAST PERFECT

I had sifted
you had sifted
he/she/it had sifted
we had sifted
they had sifted

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been sifting
you had been sifting
he/she/it had been sifting
we had been sifting
they had been sifting

PRESENT

I sift
you sift
he/she/it sifts
we sift
they sift

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am sifting
you are sifting
he/she/it is sifting
we are sifting
they are sifting

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

sifting

PRESENT PERFECT

I have sifted
you have sifted
he/she/it has sifted
we have sifted
they have sifted

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been sifting
you have been sifting
he/she/it has been sifting
we have been sifting
they have been sifting
I would have sifted
we would have sifted
you would have sifted
he/she/it would have sifted
they would have sifted

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