Scrutiny Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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scrutiny
[ˈskruː.tɪ.ni ]
Definitions
under examination
Critical observation or examination.
Synonyms
analysis, examination, inspection, investigation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scrutiny |
Used when there is a need for careful and detailed examination, often to ensure that everything is correct. It is commonly used in formal contexts.
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| examination |
Used in contexts where something is being looked at very closely to learn more about it. Commonly used in academic or medical settings.
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| inspection |
Used when something is being officially looked at to assess its condition or compliance with regulations. Often used in contexts related to quality control or safety.
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| investigation |
Used when there is a need to uncover facts or find out the truth, often related to legal or criminal contexts.
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| analysis |
Appropriate for situations where something is broken down into parts to understand it better. Often used in academic or technical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The company's financial records were under scrutiny by auditors.
- His actions came under scrutiny after the scandal broke out.
careful examination
Close and careful examination or observation.
Synonyms
examination, inspection, review, scrutinization.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scrutiny |
Used when looking very closely at something, especially seeking out faults or problems. Often formal and can imply criticism or suspicion.
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| examination |
Used in academic or medical settings, or when analyzing something thoroughly and in detail. It suggests a formal and methodical process.
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| inspection |
Used when visually checking something, often to ensure it meets certain standards or regulations. Common in quality control and regulatory contexts.
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| scrutinization |
Used similarly to 'scrutiny', typically in a formal or technical context. It implies a detailed and thorough examination, often with an emphasis on finding faults.
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| review |
Used when looking back over work, performance, or a situation to judge its quality or effectiveness. It can be formal or informal.
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Examples of usage
- The project was completed under the scrutiny of experts.
- She faced intense scrutiny from the public and media.
critical assessment
A critical assessment or evaluation.
Synonyms
appraisal, assessment, evaluation, judgment.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scrutiny |
Detailed and careful examination, often used when someone critically examines something to find faults or understand it deeply.
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| assessment |
The process of evaluating or measuring something, frequently used in educational, healthcare, or project management contexts.
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| evaluation |
A systematic process to determine the significance or value of something, often used in research, education, and business.
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| appraisal |
A formal evaluation, often used in a professional or work setting to measure performance or determine the value of something.
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| judgment |
The ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions, often based on a combination of experience, knowledge, and assessment.
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Examples of usage
- The proposal will undergo scrutiny by the board of directors.
- The candidate's qualifications were subject to scrutiny during the interview process.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal terms, scrutiny often refers to a careful review of laws, regulations, or procedures, as seen in judicial reviews.
- Some laws require a higher level of scrutiny for certain rights, meaning they are examined more closely to protect individuals.
- Judicial scrutiny can affect how laws are applied, impacting civil rights and liberties significantly.
Psychology
- Scrutiny can impact decision-making, where excessive examination of details can lead to analysis paralysis.
- Cognitive dissonance may emerge when people hold conflicting beliefs about a decision, leading to increased scrutiny of evidence.
- In social psychology, people often undergo scrutiny from peers, influencing behaviors and self-perception.
Culture
- In art and literature, scrutiny plays a crucial role; characters often examine their motivations or morality, leading to deeper understanding.
- Reality television and social media have increased public scrutiny of celebrities and influencers, affecting their lives and careers.
- Culinary cultures also emphasize scrutiny, where chefs carefully evaluate ingredients and cooking techniques for excellence.
Science
- In scientific research, scrutiny is vital; peer review processes ensure that studies are rigorously examined before publication.
- The scrutiny of data in experiments helps prevent errors and ensures the validity of scientific findings.
- Ethical scrutiny is crucial in experiments involving human subjects, requiring informed consent and consideration of participants' well-being.
Origin of 'scrutiny'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'scrutiny' comes from the Latin word 'scrutinium', which means 'search' or 'investigation'.
- Its usage in English dates back to the early 17th century, evolving to signify a close examination.
- Related words include 'scrutinize' and 'scrutinizer', which both stem from the same root, emphasizing detailed observation.
The word 'scrutiny' originated from the Latin word 'scrutinium', meaning a search or inquiry. It has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to the act of examining or inspecting something closely. Over the years, 'scrutiny' has come to represent not just observation, but also a critical assessment and evaluation of various subjects.