scrutinize
gb/skɹˈutɪnˌaɪz/ us/skɹˈutɪnˌaɪz/
C1
English
~ 10000
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
C1
action
1
examine something very carefully
To look at or check something very carefully to find details, mistakes, or problems.
Usage pattern:
to scrutinize [something] carefully
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "scrutinize" in very casual contexts where a simpler verb like "look at" or "check" is more natural. "Scrutinize" is relatively formal and usually suggests a very careful, detailed, or critical examination, not just normal looking. Another common mistake is forgetting that "scrutinize" almost always takes a direct object (you scrutinize something or someone).
Synonyms
examine (More general and slightly less intense; does not always imply such a high level of detail as "scrutinize.")
|
inspect (Often used for physical objects or official checks; slightly more neutral than the often critical tone of "scrutinize.")
|
analyze (Focuses more on thinking and breaking something into parts, while "scrutinize" focuses on very careful looking or checking.)
Antonyms
ignore (To pay no attention at all, the opposite of carefully checking something.)
|
skim (To read or look through quickly without close attention, opposite to examining in great detail.)
Collocations
scrutinize the details
|scrutinize the data
|scrutinize the evidence
|scrutinize the contract
|closely scrutinize
|carefully scrutinize
Themes
work
|law
|science
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Before signing the agreement, she scrutinized every clause to make sure there were no hidden fees.
- Scientists scrutinized the data for months before announcing their results.
- The committee will scrutinize your application to ensure all the information is accurate.
- Investors are scrutinizing the company’s financial reports after the sudden drop in profits.
- He scrutinized her expression, trying to see if she was telling the truth.
Learner examples
- Please scrutinize this report and mark any errors.
- The teacher scrutinized his essay very carefully.
- Experts scrutinized the video frame by frame.
- I always scrutinize my bill before I pay.
- The manager scrutinized the plan before saying yes.
Grammar
Dictionary form
scrutinize
IPA
GB/skɹˈutɪnˌaɪz/
US/skɹˈutɪnˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
scru - tin - ize (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (scru)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: scrutinize
- 3rd Person Singular: scrutinizes
- Present Participle: scrutinizing
- Past: scrutinized
Word family
Forms
scrutinizes
verb
scrutinizing
verb
scrutinized
verb
Core family
scrutiny
noun C1
Related words
scrutinizer
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.