a device or substance that separates solids from liquids or gases, or removes particular substances from them, a feature of software or online platforms that allows users to sort or refine data according to specific criteria

filter through, filter out, filter bubble

Formal and Informal Expressions of filter

In different contexts, you can replace 'filter' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'strainer, sieve' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'screen, sorter' is a commonplace synonym.

filter: Explore its Definition & Usage

filter Definition

1a device or substance that separates solids from liquids or gases, or removes particular substances from them
2a feature of software or online platforms that allows users to sort or refine data according to specific criteria

Using filter: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "filter" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The coffee filter removes the grounds from the liquid.
Example
The air filter in my car needs to be replaced.
Example
The email filter sorted my inbox by sender.
Example
The search engine has a filter for location and price range.

filter Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for filter

Antonyms for filter

Phrases with filter

filter through
to pass slowly through something in order to be absorbed or noticed
Example
The sunlight filtered through the trees.
filter out
to remove something unwanted or unnecessary from a group or collection
Example
The HR department filtered out unqualified candidates.
filter bubble
a situation in which an individual only receives information that confirms their existing beliefs or opinions, due to personalized algorithms on social media or search engines
Example
She realized she was in a filter bubble when she saw that all her news articles were about one political party.

Origins of filter

from Old French 'filtre', from Medieval Latin 'filtrum', meaning 'felt' or 'cloth'

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Summary: filter in Brief

A 'filter' [ˈfɪltər] is a device or substance that separates solids from liquids or gases, or removes particular substances from them. It can also refer to a feature of software or online platforms that allows users to sort or refine data according to specific criteria. Examples include a coffee filter, an air filter, and an email filter. Phrases like 'filter through' and 'filter out' describe the process of passing through or removing from a group. 'Filter bubble' refers to a situation where an individual only receives information that confirms their existing beliefs.