winnow

Pronunciation

Verb C2 Mastery

To separate the useful or valuable parts of something from the rest, originally by blowing chaff away from grain.

"The committee spent weeks winnowing hundreds of applicants down to a shortlist of five."

Synonyms and antonyms

sift filter

The word's farming origin, separating grain from husks in the wind, is still visible in its modern, figurative use for narrowing down choices.

Which word fits the gap? "The committee spent weeks _____ hundreds of applicants down to a shortlist of five."

Answer: winnow

In your own words, what does "winnow" mean?

To separate the useful or valuable parts of something from the rest, originally by blowing chaff away from grain.