Glean

Glean (verb) means to gather information or material bit by bit, often with careful attention to detail. Originally referring to the act of collecting leftover crops from fields after the harvest, it now encompasses the broader idea of extracting knowledge or insight from various sources in a meticulous manner.

Glean meaning with examples

• After a long day of interviews, the journalist was able to glean essential insights about the politician's proposed reforms. By piecing together various comments and gestures made by the subject, she constructed a comprehensive view of the candidate's true stance on the issues that mattered most to voters.
• The scientist gleaned valuable data from years of experimentation, carefully documenting each result. Through meticulous observation and incremental analysis, she was able to uncover patterns that others had overlooked, leading to groundbreaking conclusions about the effects of climate change on local ecosystems.
• During the family reunion, Grandpa shared stories from his youth that allowed the younger generation to glean lessons from the past. As he recounted his experiences, he emphasized resilience and creativity, imparting wisdom that would influence their choices and inspire them to navigate challenges in their own lives.
• In an effort to improve customer satisfaction, the marketing team organized a focus group to glean feedback on their latest product. Participants were asked open-ended questions that encouraged them to share their thoughts, feelings, and suggestions, which the team meticulously analyzed to inform their next steps.