scrutinize
SKROO-tuh-nyz
/ˈskruːtənaɪz/
To examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
Implies detailed, critical inspection looking for errors, hidden motives, or fine points.
The story behind the word. Comes from Latin 'scrutari' (to search, carefully investigate, or sort through trash), which originally referred to searching through trash for valuables. Combining this root with the verbal suffix '-ize' created the formal English verb for detailed inspection in the 17th century.
Word relationships
- inspect: Inspect is standard official checking; scrutinize implies deeper critical probing for subtle details.
- examine: Examine is broad analysis, whereas scrutinize emphasizes intensive micro-level inspection.
- overlook: Overlook means to fail to notice or purposely ignore.
- gloss over: Gloss over means to treat superficially.
Commonly confused with
- scan: Scan can mean reading quickly; scrutinize always means examining with painstaking care.
Word family
- scrutiny (noun): Critical observation or examination.
- scrutinizer (noun): One who scrutinizes.
Collocations
- scrutinize closely
- scrutinize records
- scrutinize behavior
- subject to scrutinize
Idioms & expressions
- look with a magnifying glass
- go over with a fine-tooth comb
Example sentences
- "Auditors were brought in to scrutinize every detail of the company's financial records." Financial auditing
- "Scientific research must be published so that independent experts can scrutinize the evidence." Peer review
Memory hook
SCRUTINY + IZE = to subject to deep scrutiny. Magnifying glass examination.
When not to use
Do not use for casual glaces or quick browses.
Fun facts
- 'Scrutari' literally meant rummaging through rags and trash to find hidden gems.
Related words
Explore more words
inspect, inspection, meticulous, probe, critique, scrupulous
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