WordValescrutiny
close, critical examination
In more detail
1. (noun) careful and thorough examination or inspection of something
2. (noun) close observation or study of someone's actions or behavior, often to judge or evaluate them
Examples
- 1. The document underwent careful scrutiny before being approved.
- 2. Under public scrutiny, the politician had to explain every decision.
How to use scrutiny
Scrutiny refers to detailed, careful examination and is often used when something is being evaluated critically or when judgment may result. It frequently appears in phrases like 'under scrutiny' when referring to something or someone being closely observed, particularly by authorities, the public, or media. The word carries a sense of rigor and intensity, distinguishing it from casual observation.
Common phrases
- under scrutiny
- close scrutiny
- intense scrutiny
- withstand scrutiny
- public scrutiny
- subject to scrutiny
Synonyms
examination · inspection · investigation · analysis · study
Opposites
neglect · disregard · indifference
Word family
scrutinize (verb) · scrutinizer (noun) · scrutinous (adjective, rare)
A common mistake
Learners often use scrutiny as a verb (e.g., 'scrutiny the document') when the correct verb form is scrutinize.
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