Scrutiny
/ˈskruːtəni/
nounB2
Definition
Scrutiny is when someone looks at something very carefully and with great attention. It often means checking details closely to understand the true condition or to find problems. People use scrutiny in many areas, like checking documents, behavior, or information.
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Careful and detailed examination or inspection
- •The new law was under close scrutiny by experts.
- •Her work received intense scrutiny from the committee.
- •The company’s financial records are open to public scrutiny.
Critical observation or questioning
- •His actions came under public scrutiny after the news report.
- •Politicians often face scrutiny from the media.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "scrutiny" like "look," but MUCH more careful and detailed—like using a magnifying glass to see tiny things
- ✓Picture a detective examining clues with a flashlight in a dark room, looking for every small detail
- ✓It's the feeling when a teacher checks your homework very carefully to find any mistakes
- ✓Sounds like "screw-tiny" → imagine screwing in tiny parts that need close attention so nothing breaks
- ✓Think of a judge or scientist who must examine evidence or data carefully before making a decision
- ✓NOT like "glance" (quick look), scrutiny is slow, detailed, and focused
- ✓NOT like "trust" (accept without question), scrutiny means you check carefully before you trust
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (not pay attention), scrutiny means full attention and careful study
Try Other Words
- •Examination: careful study or inspection (Use when focusing on the process of looking closely)
- •Inspection: official or formal checking (Use in contexts like checking buildings, goods, or documents)
- •Analysis: detailed study, often of information or data (Use when looking for meaning or understanding, not just looking)
- •Review: looking over something again (Use when checking something after it is done or before a decision)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "scrut-" (from Latin "scrutari," meaning to search or examine) + "-iny" (noun suffix)
- •Etymology: From Latin "scrutinium," meaning a search or inquiry
- •Historical development: Entered English in the late 1500s with the meaning of careful examination or inquiry
- •Modern usage: Used in formal and informal contexts to describe careful watching, checking, or questioning of people, actions, or things
Reflect & Connect
•How does scrutiny help people make better decisions in everyday life?
•Can too much scrutiny feel uncomfortable or unfair? When might that happen?
Fill in the blanks
1.The politician’s actions came under scrutiny because the public wanted to ___ if he was honest.
2.During the audit, every financial detail was subject to ___ by the inspectors.
3.Unlike a quick glance, scrutiny requires ___ attention to small details.
4.When a product faces consumer scrutiny, companies must ___ their quality carefully.
5.The teacher’s scrutiny of the essay helped the student ___ many mistakes.
6.Scrutiny often involves asking ___ questions to understand a situation fully.
7.If something passes scrutiny, it means it has ___ the careful examination successfully.