Scrutiny: meaning, definitions and examples
🔍
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.
|
| examination |
Used in contexts where something is being looked at very closely to learn more about it. Commonly used in academic or medical settings.
|
| 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.
|
| investigation |
Used when there is a need to uncover facts or find out the truth, often related to legal or criminal contexts.
|
| analysis |
Appropriate for situations where something is broken down into parts to understand it better. Often used in academic or technical contexts.
|
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.
|
| examination |
Used in academic or medical settings, or when analyzing something thoroughly and in detail. It suggests a formal and methodical process.
|
| inspection |
Used when visually checking something, often to ensure it meets certain standards or regulations. Common in quality control and regulatory contexts.
|
| 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.
|
| review |
Used when looking back over work, performance, or a situation to judge its quality or effectiveness. It can be formal or informal.
|
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.
|
| assessment |
The process of evaluating or measuring something, frequently used in educational, healthcare, or project management contexts.
|
| evaluation |
A systematic process to determine the significance or value of something, often used in research, education, and business.
|
| appraisal |
A formal evaluation, often used in a professional or work setting to measure performance or determine the value of something.
|
| judgment |
The ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions, often based on a combination of experience, knowledge, and assessment.
|
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "scrutiny" in other languages:
🇵🇹 escrutínio
🇮🇳 गहन निरीक्षण
🇩🇪 genaue Untersuchung
🇮🇩 pengawasan ketat
🇺🇦 ретельний аналіз
🇵🇱 dokładna analiza
🇯🇵 精査 (せいさ)
🇫🇷 examen minutieux
🇪🇸 escrutinio
🇹🇷 dikkatli inceleme
🇰🇷 정밀 조사
🇸🇦 تمحيص دقيق
🇨🇿 důkladná analýza
🇸🇰 dôkladná analýza
🇨🇳 仔细审查 (zǐxì shěnchá)
🇸🇮 natančna analiza
🇮🇸 ítarleg skoðun
🇰🇿 мұқият тексеру
🇬🇪 ძალიან საფუძვლიანი გამოკვლევა
🇦🇿 dərindən araşdırma
🇲🇽 escrutinio