1
Core meaning
Close, careful, and often critical examination.
Example
Under close scrutiny, the apparent pattern disappeared.
scrutiny
/ˈskruːtɪni/ · SKROO-tih-neenoun
Close, careful, and often critical examination.
Use scrutiny to express this relationship precisely: close, careful, and often critical examination.
What scrutiny Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
The evidence deserves greater scrutiny before publication.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
The revised estimate withstood independent scrutiny.
Use scrutiny Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Under close scrutiny, the apparent pattern disappeared.
The evidence deserves greater scrutiny before publication.
The revised estimate withstood independent scrutiny.
Precision Matters
Scrutiny overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
scrutiny
vs.Means close, careful, and often critical examination.
appraise
Means assess the value, quality, condition, or significance of something.
scrutiny
vs.Means close, careful, and often critical examination.
meticulous
Means extremely careful and precise.
scrutiny
vs.Means close, careful, and often critical examination.
fastidious
Means extremely attentive to detail, accuracy, cleanliness, or correctness.
scrutiny
vs.Means close, careful, and often critical examination.
at face value
Means according only to the apparent or literal meaning, without deeper examination.
Test scrutiny in Context
The claim needs close and critical examination.
1
Because the claim rests on a single undated letter, it requires especially careful ___.