sifting

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun the act of separating grain from chaff
verb move as if through a sieve
verb separate by passing through a sieve or other straining device to separate out coarser elements

From Middle English syftynge; equivalent to sift + -ing.

During the sifting process he observed many sparkling gems. — Wealth of the World's Waste Places and Oceania, Jewett C. (Jewett Castello) Gilson
The Dame does not like the shaking for a sifting. — The Amazing Marriage — Complete, George Meredith
The bits and pieces, the endless sifting of evidence, searching for clues and then building a case from shreds. — Terminal Compromise, Winn Schwartau

winnow, winnowing

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