Word
scrutinize
Phoneticsscru·ti·nize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈskɹutəˌnaɪz/
UK spelling · scrutinise
Definition
v. to look at something very carefully to find small details or mistakes. You do this when you want to make sure everything is correct or safe.
v. to examine something very carefully and in detail, typically to detect flaws, errors, or hidden information. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Examples
“The police will scrutinize the security footage for any clues.”
“The committee will scrutinize the budget proposal to ensure every dollar is spent wisely.”
“Under the intense glare of the media, the candidate's every word was scrutinized for any hint of inconsistency or political bias.”
Examples
simple
“The police will scrutinize the security footage for any clues.”
contextual
“The committee will scrutinize the budget proposal to ensure every dollar is spent wisely.”
complex
“Under the intense glare of the media, the candidate's every word was scrutinized for any hint of inconsistency or political bias.”
Real-World Examples
“The findings of Dr Blake's review will be closely scrutinised.” “It’s a matter of procedure, a discussion “for internal use”, Hegarty assures her, in an opening exchange where every comment sparks suspicion and even the correct pronunciation of bourbon biscuit is scrutinised.” Etymology
From scrutiny + -ize.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/scrutinize