winnow - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
winnow Word Meanings
- to separate grain from chaff
- to sort out the good from the bad
- to examine closely
winnow Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
winnow Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈwɪnəʊ/
US
/ˈwɪnoʊ/
winnow Word Etymology
Root: win- = to sing, now = to blow; Origin: Old English → Middle English → English; Memory: Picture a farmer singing joyfully while blowing away the chaff from the grain.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Winnow means to separate the useful part from what is not; originally about grain, using wind to blow away chaff. Today it also means to examine and sort through a group to pick out the best items or people. The word emphasizes active filtering, not just a quick skim; it implies a deliberate process of removal. In sentences you can say 'to winnow out the weak candidates' or 'to winnow the list down to five names.' The etymology points to win- (to blow) and the memory cue is the farmer singing while blowing away the chaff. It is commonly used in business, academia, and journalism to describe careful selection.
Usage Reminders
- - Remember the wind/air sense in literal use
- - Use winnow to show a deliberate selection process
- - Pair with out for phrasal usage: winnow out
- - Distinguish from sift or filter in non-literal contexts
- - Use with lists, candidates, or information, not random items
Common Misconceptions
- Winnow = simply pick the best item
- Winnow only applies to grain, not ideas or people
- Winnow is the same as sift or filter in all contexts
- Winnow implies random guessing rather than careful selection
- Winnow out means cast away everything, not just some
Thinking Differences
English speakers often treat winnow as a precise, active filtration step, and use it metaphorically to shrink a set. Learners may confuse it with general ‘filter’ or ‘select,’ missing the aggressive ejection implied by the word.
Learning Tips
- Learn the core senses: physical separation and figurative selection
- Note the collocation winnow out
- Differentiate from sift and filter in abstract contexts
- Practice with lists, candidates, and information
- Use in business, academic, and journalistic writing
- Compare with synonyms to sharpen nuance
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'winnow' mean?
A.Build a sandcastle at the beach
B.Plant seeds in a garden
C.Swim in a pool
D.Separate grain from chaff
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'winnow' correctly?
A.I winnowed the flowers in my backyard.
B.The farmer will winnow the wheat after harvest.
C.She won the race and got to winnow the trophy.
D.He tried to winnow a new video game console.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'winnow'?
A.Filter
B.Combine
C.Expand
D.Destroy
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an opposite word of 'winnow'?
A.Mix
B.Create
C.Save
D.Combine
Step 5: Mastery
In real-life context, when might someone 'winnow' something?
A.Separating important emails from junk mail
B.Playing a sport
C.Gardening
D.Cooking a meal
Related Listening
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