Words / C1

SKROOT-uh-nyz/ˈskruːtənaɪz/

To scrutinise (US scrutinize) is to examine in detail: scrutinise the accounts. Scrutiny is the noun (already in the dictionary). Scan can be quick; inspect is a close cousin. British -ise matches the rest of this dictionary. Do not scrutinise a sunset in a poem unless you mean a very close look.

Meaning

To examine something very carefully (noun: scrutiny).

Examples

• “External examiners scrutinised the borderline scripts.”
• “Examiners scrutinised every borderline script, which is why the night ran long.”
• “Press scrutiny is the noun; to scrutinise is the verb of that look.”

Good to know

Examine closely (British -ise). Noun: scrutiny. Close: inspect. Quick look: scan. US: scrutinize.

Near in meaning

inspect

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