Scrutinize
/ˈskruː.tɪ.naɪz/noun
To examine something closely and carefully.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin *scrutinium*, a searching or examining, from *scrutari* meaning “to search thoroughly,” which may be connected to the idea of rummaging through scraps or debris for hidden things.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*(s)ker-
“To cut, scrape, or separate”
Classical Latin
Latin
scrutari
“To search thoroughly; to examine by ransacking or rummaging”
Late Latin
Latin
scrutinium
“A searching or examination”
Old French
Old French
scrutiner
“To examine closely”
Late 16th Century
English
scrutinize
“To examine carefully or critically”
Modern English
English
scrutinize
“To look at or inspect with great care”