Words / C1

SKROOT-uh-nee/ˈskruːtəni/

Scrutiny is close, careful examination, often by critics or officials: under close scrutiny. Examination can be a test; inspection is more physical. Look at is everyday. Collocations: come under scrutiny, public scrutiny, subject to scrutiny. Scrutinise is the verb. The word is common in news and academic English; in speech, a close look will do.

Meaning

Careful and detailed examination.

Examples

• “The figures came under close scrutiny.”
• “The figures will not survive scrutiny.”
• “Her expenses came under intense scrutiny after the leak.”

Good to know

under scrutiny / come under scrutiny. Verb: scrutinise. Everyday: a close look. Formal/news register.

Near in meaning

inspection

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