What does scrutinize mean?
Scrutinize means to examine something carefully and critically, focusing on details, evidence, arguments, or possible weaknesses. The verb is used when an assessment is more exacting than a quick look: a reviewer might scrutinize a manuscript, an investigator might scrutinize a witness statement, or a committee might scrutinize a proposal before making a decision. Its implication is not necessarily hostile, although scrutiny can be unwelcome because it makes flaws or inconsistencies more likely to emerge. In everyday contexts, the word often conveys careful attention and analytical judgment. The related noun scrutiny names the act of examining something in this way, while the phrase under scrutiny indicates that something is being closely evaluated. Overall, scrutinize is a useful word for describing disciplined examination rather than a casual glance.
verbTo examine something carefully and critically, paying close attention to details, evidence, or possible flaws. It often implies a rigorous or skeptical assessment.
- To examine something carefully and critically in order to assess its quality, accuracy, or implications.
- To inspect or analyze evidence, arguments, or details with close attention, often in order to identify errors or weaknesses.
"The committee scrutinized the proposal before deciding whether to approve it."
"Researchers scrutinized the data for signs of bias or methodological errors."
"She scrutinized the contract line by line before signing it."
To scrutinize is to look beyond first impressions and ask whether every detail truly supports the conclusion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scrutinize come from?
Scrutinize entered English through French, where it was formed from scrutiniser, based on Latin scrutinium, a formal examination or inquiry. Latin scrutinium itself developed from scrutari, meaning to search or examine. The same root is reflected in English words such as scrutiny, which refers to careful examination, and scrutation, a less common term for investigative examination or questioning.
Related word forms
How scrutinize is actually used
Generally formal and analytical. It is often stronger and more sustained than a simple look at something, suggesting a methodical examination intended to judge accuracy, quality, or legitimacy. In British English, the spelling is scrutinize; scrutinise is the standard British variant.
Easily confused with scrutinize
Scrutinize is a verb meaning to examine something carefully, whereas scrutiny is a noun meaning careful or critical examination.