Glean

Verb

Definition: To gather (information, facts, etc.) slowly and laboriously, often with difficulty.

Synonyms: Collect, Extract, Obtain, Acquire

Antonyms: Distribute, Disperse, Scatter, Give away

Examples:

The detective spent hours trying to glean information from the witness.
She carefully read through the report to glean any useful insights.

Mnemonics:

Think of gleaning as slowly picking up scattered knowledge, like gathering grains after a harvest.
Imagine a farmer bending down to glean leftover crops from a field, symbolizing the effort required to gather information.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'glenen', from Old French 'glenir', from Late Latin 'glennare', from 'glannum' meaning "a handful left at the bottom of a granary", ultimately derived from Celtic 'glanos' meaning "clean" or "smooth".

Historical Usage:

The word has been used since Middle English and has maintained its meaning of gathering information or facts slowly.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Glean something from"

Explanation:

To acquire or obtain something, often information or knowledge, from a particular source or situation. Example

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'glean' with 'glance'.

Explanation:

While 'glean' and 'glance' may sound similar, they have different meanings. 'Glean' refers to the act of slowly gathering information, while 'glance' means to take a quick or brief look at something. These words have distinct definitions and should not be confused.