Scrutiny

Definition

Scrutiny is the critical observation or examination of something. It involves looking at something very carefully, often to discover information or to understand more about it. The term can apply in various contexts, from individual thought processes to public or institutional investigations.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈskruːtəni/
• Respelling: SKROO-tuh-nee (with "SKROO" as in "screw," "tuh" representing the schwa sound, akin to the 'a' in "sofa," and "nee" as in "knee")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈskruːtɪni/
• Respelling: SKROO-ti-nee (similar to American English, with "SKROO" as in "screw," "ti" as a quick, soft sound, and "nee" as in "knee")

In American English, the second syllable "tuh" captures the schwa sound (/ə/), which is a more accurate representation for how "scrutiny" is often pronounced in American English, reflecting the less pronounced, more neutral sound in the middle syllable.

Etymology

The term "scrutiny" comes from the Latin "scrutinium," which means "a search, inquiry," or "examination," derived from "scrutari" (to search or examine), which possibly comes from "scrus" (trash), suggesting the idea of sorting through rubbish to find something valuable.

Derivatives

• Scrutinize (verb)
• Scrutinizer (noun)
• Scrutinizing (adjective)
• Scrutinizingly (adverb)
• Scrutinous (adjective)

Synonyms

• Examination
• Inspection
• Analysis

Antonyms

• Neglect
• Overlook
• Disregard

Usage

• In a sentence: "The proposal was under strict scrutiny by the committee."

Related Terms

• Audit: A systematic review or assessment of something.
• Oversight: Supervision or the act of overseeing something.
• Review: A formal assessment or examination of something with the possibility or intention of instituting change if necessary.

Detailed Definition

As a Noun

• The action of examining something closely and carefully: "The document underwent careful scrutiny before approval."
• A searching study, inquiry, or inspection: "Her motives were subjected to scrutiny."
• Close, critical observation or examination, often in a detailed or thorough manner: "Under the scrutiny of the media, the politician's actions were revealed."
• In public or institutional contexts, a process of oversight intended to ensure accountability and transparency: "The government's spending was placed under the scrutiny of an independent auditor."
• The act of scrutinizing; making a careful or detailed search for facts: "The detective's scrutiny of the crime scene was thorough."