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sieve

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /sɪv/

KK: /sɪv/

intransitive verb
Definition

To use a tool with small holes to separate solid particles from a liquid or to sift through materials.


Example

She decided to sieve the flour before baking the cake.


Tense Forms

Past: sieved

Past Participle: sieved


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever tried to sieve flour before baking?
Sloth B
Yeah, it makes such a difference in the texture of the cake.
Sloth A
I didn't realize it was that important to sieve it first.
Sloth B
Definitely! It helps remove any lumps and makes it lighter.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sift
filter
strain
Antonyms
combine
mix
clump
noun
Definition

A kitchen tool made of mesh or holes that is used to separate smaller particles from larger ones, often for cooking or baking.


Example

She used a sieve to strain the pasta after boiling it.


Conversation
Sloth A
Do you know where I put my sieve?
Sloth B
I think I saw it in the kitchen drawer earlier.
Sloth A
Thanks! I need it to strain the pasta tonight.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To separate or remove unwanted parts from something, usually by using a tool with holes that allows smaller items to pass through while keeping larger items back.


Example

She used a sieve to drain the pasta after cooking it.


Tense Forms

Past: sieved

Past Participle: sieved


Conversation
Sloth A
Hey, do you know how to sieve flour properly?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's pretty simple! You just need to use a good sieve.
Sloth A
I always end up with clumps when I try to sieve it.
Root Explanation

**Sieve** → The word 'sieve' originates from Old English 'sife', meaning a device for separating wanted elements from unwanted material or for controlling the particle size distribution of a sample. It refers to a tool used for straining or filtering.

Memory Tip

Think of a tool that helps you 'separate' unwanted materials — that's what a sieve does.

Visually Confused Words
scrieve
sueve
stive
steve
slive
skive
siver
siege
Is this page helpful?
Good idea! It really helps to use a sieve for that.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
strainer
filter
mesh
Antonyms
solid
block
clog
Sloth B
I get that! Just make sure to tap it gently while sifting.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
filter
strain
screen
Antonyms
clog
block
obstruct