Filter
/ˈfɪltər/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo pass a liquid or gas through a device to remove unwanted material.
/ˈfɪltər/
To remove something unwanted from a substance
The coffee machine filters the hot water through the ground coffee beans.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making lemonade, but some seeds get in. You can 'filter' the lemonade with a strainer to get rid of those seeds, making it extra tasty!
👶 For kids: To clean something by taking out the yucky stuff.
More Examples
I filter the pool water to remove leaves and debris.
We can filter out the data that we do not need.
How It's Used
"Scientists filter water to remove impurities."
"The software filters spam emails."
To selectively remove or block certain types of information or content.
/ˈfɪltər/
To selectively screen information
She filters her email to avoid spam.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're on social media and only want to see pictures of puppies. You can 'filter' your feed so that only puppy pics pop up! It helps you see the good stuff.
👶 For kids: To pick and choose what you see or hear.
More Examples
He filters his search results to show only relevant websites.
Many people filter news articles, so they don't read negative articles.
How It's Used
"I filter my social media feed to see only posts from friends."
"The media filters information before presenting it to the public."
A device or substance used to remove impurities or unwanted elements.
/ˈfɪltər/
A device or substance used for filtering
The car's oil filter needs to be changed every 3,000 miles.
💡 Simply: Imagine a special paper that cleans your water. That paper is a 'filter'! It makes sure only the good stuff gets through.
👶 For kids: Something that takes out the yucky stuff from something else.
More Examples
She uses a water filter to get clean drinking water.
Use a filter to clean the pool water.
How It's Used
"Replace the air filter in your furnace regularly."
"Photographers use lens filters to enhance images."
Idioms & expressions
filter bubble
A state where a user is isolated in an information environment based on their personalized search algorithms.
"Social media algorithms can create filter bubbles, limiting users' exposure to diverse perspectives."
to run something through a filter
To carefully consider something or examine it for its validity or suitability
"Before making a decision, I always run the pros and cons through a mental filter."
From Middle English *filtren*, from Old French *filtrer*, from Late Latin *filtrāre*, from *filtrum* 'felt' (used for straining).
The word 'filter' has been used in the context of separating liquids and solids since the 15th century. Its usage has expanded to include the selective screening of information in modern times.
Memory tip
Think of a coffee filter, which removes the coffee grounds from the water.
Word Origin
"felt, strainer"