scrutiny

[ skroot-n-ee ]

noun

, plural scru·ti·nies.

1. a searching examination or investigation; minute inquiry.
2. surveillance; close and continuous watching or guarding.
3. a close and searching look.

scrutiny

/ ˈskruːtɪnɪ /

noun

1. close or minute examination
2. a searching look
3. 1. (in the early Christian Church) a formal testing that catechumens had to undergo before being baptized
   2. a similar examination of candidates for holy orders

Other Words From

• non·scruti·ny noun plural nonscrutinies
• re·scruti·ny noun plural rescrutinies
• self-scruti·ny noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrutiny¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin scrūtinium “a search, inquiry, investigation,” derivative of scrūtārī “to search thoroughly”

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrutiny¹

C15: from Late Latin scrūtinium an investigation, from scrūtārī to search (originally referring to rag-and-bone men), from scrūta rubbish

Synonym Study

See examination.

Example Sentences

The heat is now on universities to bring down costs, with renewed scrutiny from ministers and the regulator over how they spend money.

From BBC

He suggests business degrees are one area that might need more scrutiny to demonstrate which offer the best outcomes for students.

From BBC

Yet immigration is still largely seen as separate from the environmental stresses contributing to it, and scrutiny of the far right has largely missed its intertwining with the climate crisis.

From Salon

He’s also been under scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee over allegations including sexual misconduct.

From Los Angeles Times

Upon closer scrutiny, the ferocious animal appeared to be a person in a costume, detectives said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analysis
• audit
• inquiry
• inspection
• investigation
• review
• search
• surveillance