scrutiny

scrutiny — noun

1. the close study or inspection of someone or something, especially to uncover fau

1.名詞B2
釋義

the close study or inspection of someone or something, especially to uncover faults, find the truth, or understand details that are not obvious

例句

The company's financial records came under close scrutiny from government officials after the report.

collocation: came under scrutiny / under scrutiny

Every new medicine must pass rigorous scrutiny before it can be sold to the public.

collocation: pass scrutiny / rigorous scrutiny

同義詞
  • examination

    the most general term; less intense and less judgmental than scrutiny

  • inspection

    focuses on checking for faults or standards, often official; narrower than scrutiny

  • investigation

    a systematic search for facts, usually related to a crime or problem; implies a longer process

反義詞
  • neglect

    deliberate lack of attention or care

  • disregard

    the act of ignoring something completely

文法句型

under + scrutiny

come under + scrutiny

face + scrutiny

subject to + scrutiny

be subjected to + scrutiny

用法筆記

This sense is uncountable — you cannot say 'a scrutiny' to mean an examination. Frequently used with the verbs 'come under', 'face', 'be subjected to', and 'withstand', and with the adjectives 'close', 'public', 'intense', 'rigorous', or 'detailed'.

常見錯誤

❌The building passed safety scrutiny.
✅The building passed safety inspection.
💡'scrutiny' implies ongoing critical attention, not a one-time standards check; 'inspection' is the correct word for checking compliance with rules.

2. a long, fixed look directed at someone or something, often showing suspicion, cu

2.名詞C1
釋義

a long, fixed look directed at someone or something, often showing suspicion, curiosity, or deep interest

例句

Mayumi felt uncomfortable under the stranger's prolonged scrutiny as she waited for the train.

collocation: under someone's scrutiny

João turned around and met Sophia's unwavering scrutiny with a calm, steady smile.

met + possessive + scrutiny — responding to a gaze

同義詞
  • gaze

    a steady look without the strong judgmental or suspicious tone of scrutiny

  • stare

    a fixed, wide-eyed look; ruder and more direct than scrutiny

  • regard

    a more formal and neutral word for a look; less intense

反義詞
  • glance

    a quick, brief look — the opposite of prolonged attention

文法句型

under + possessive + scrutiny

meet + possessive + scrutiny

hold + possessive + scrutiny

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (CLOSE EXAMINATION): sense 1 refers to an abstract process of studying or checking, while this sense refers to a literal, physical gaze. When countable (e.g. 'He gave her a long scrutiny'), it often feels slightly literary.

常見錯誤

❌The committee placed the budget under scrutiny for three hours.' (if meaning a literal gaze)
✅The committee subjected the budget to close examination for three hours.
💡sense 2 (INTENSE GAZE) only works for literal looks; use sense 1 for abstract examination.