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scrutinize

Scrutinize (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

verb

IPA:

/ˈskrut nˌaɪz/

What does scrutinize mean?

To examine or inspect something closely and meticulously, often with great attention to detail.
"The auditor will scrutinize the financial statements for any irregularities."

Detailed Meaning of Scrutinize

It involves carefully analyzing and evaluating an object, information, or situation in order to understand its components, qualities, or implications. Scrutinizing entails a thorough and systematic examination, typically with the intention of finding flaws, errors, or hidden aspects. It involves paying close attention to every aspect, searching for any inconsistencies, discrepancies, or areas that require further investigation. Scrutinizing can be applied to various contexts, such as reviewing documents, investigating evidence, analyzing data, or assessing the performance of a system. The process of scrutinizing is often driven by a desire for accuracy, clarity, or uncovering underlying truths. It is a critical and methodical approach that aims to gain a comprehensive understanding and make informed judgments based on the findings.

Example Sentences for Scrutinize

1. Please take a moment to scrutinize the details of the contract.
2. It is important to scrutinize the evidence before drawing conclusions.
3. The teacher asked the students to scrutinize the text for hidden meanings.
4. Before making a decision, it is necessary to scrutinize all available options.
5. The scientist will scrutinize the data to identify any patterns or anomalies.
6. The committee will scrutinize the candidate's qualifications before making a selection.

Origin and Etymology of Scrutinize

The verb 'scrutinize' has its roots in Latin and French. It evolved from the Latin word 'scrutari,' which meant 'to search' or 'to examine closely.' This Latin term gave rise to the Old French word 'scruter,' which carried a similar meaning of careful examination. Eventually, 'scrutinize' emerged in the English language in the 17th century, directly borrowing from the French 'scruter.' The essence of the word has remained consistent throughout its history, emphasizing the act of examining or inspecting something closely and meticulously, often with great attention to detail. Its etymology underscores the thorough and precise nature of the scrutiny process, making it a valuable word in discussions of careful investigation and examination.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb scrutinize:

neglect

ignore

examine

overlook

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Scrutinize

1. Investors should scrutinize the company's performance before investing.
2. The journalist will scrutinize the politician's statements for any inconsistencies.
3. The examiners will scrutinize the answer sheets to ensure fairness.
4. Researchers will scrutinize the survey responses to analyze the results.
5. It is essential to scrutinize the ingredients before consuming any food product.
6. The reviewer will scrutinize the manuscript for errors and quality.
7. The board of directors will scrutinize the proposed budget before approval.
8. The inspector will scrutinize the construction site for compliance with safety regulations.
9. The committee members will scrutinize the applications to select the scholarship recipients.
10. The lawyer will scrutinize the witness's testimony for credibility.
11. The journalist's job is to scrutinize the actions of public figures and hold them accountable.
12. The quality control team will scrutinize the product for defects before it is released.
13. The detective began to scrutinize the evidence for any clues.
14. She carefully scrutinized the contract before signing it.
15. The scientist needed to scrutinize the data for anomalies.
16. The art collector would scrutinize every brushstroke of a painting.
17. He spent hours scrutinizing the financial reports for errors.
18. The teacher would scrutinize each student's essay for plagiarism.
19. The auditor was assigned to scrutinize the company's books.
20. The journalist would scrutinize the politician's statements.
21. They decided to scrutinize the fine print of the insurance policy.
22. The coach would scrutinize the players' performance in detail.