scrutinizing
Examining something very carefully and critically
Examples
In a meeting
“The audit team is scrutinizing our expense reports from the last quarter.”
Over coffee
“I've been scrutinizing my credit card statement and found some weird charges.”
Why this word
examining
Scrutinizing emphasizes intense, critical, detailed inspection, while examining is neutral about depth or intensity
looking
Scrutinizing conveys careful, thorough analysis, while looking is vague about attention or purpose
checking
Scrutinizing implies rigorous, searching examination for flaws or details, while checking is routine verification
Usage tip
Use when describing intensive, detailed examination. Implies looking for flaws, inconsistencies, or deeper understanding.
Etymology
Latin 'scrutari' (to search carefully), from 'scruta' (trash, broken items worth examining)
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Related words
diagnose
To identify the cause or nature of a problem through examination.
fundamental
Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
extrapolate
Extend known information to predict unknown outcomes
distinguish
To recognize or identify the difference between things
unpack
To analyze and explain something complex in detail
granular
Characterized by a high level of detail