English vocabulary · C1
Scrutinize
/ˈskruːtənaɪz/ · v.
To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully. You look at every small detail to find mistakes.
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Example sentences
- Reporters scrutinized the new budget.
- Scientists scrutinize the data for errors.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- scrut — examine (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- EXAMINE — look at closely (Look at carefully)
- INSPECT — check for problems (Check for faults)
- STUDY — look to learn (Learn by looking)
Words with the same root
scrut — examine
- inscrutable — impossible to read or understand
Lesson notes
To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully. You look at every small detail to find mistakes.
Related: examine, inspect, study. Use scrutinize when you check every detail closely.
Reporters scrutinized the new budget. Scientists scrutinize the data for errors.
From Latin. Scrut- means examine. Examine every detail closely: scrutinize.