scrutiny
/ˈskruːtɪni
/noun (plural scrutinies) [mass noun]
Critical observation or examination: every aspect of local government was placed under scrutiny...
- In response to all the above-mentioned cases, I published critical scrutinies of Korpi's assertions.
- He might read Michael Buckley's magisterial study of scientific scrutinies of religion ever since the Enlightenment.
- The Hutton and Butler scrutinies called into question whether the obligation was being fully secured.
Synonyms
careful examination, inspection, survey, scan, study, perusal;
search, investigation, exploration, research, probe, enquiry, check, audit, review, analysis, dissection
informal going-over, look-see, once-over
Origin
Late Middle English: from Latin scrutinium, from scrutari 'to search' (originally 'sort rubbish', from scruta 'rubbish'). Early use referred to the taking of individual votes in an election procedure.
inscrutable from Late Middle English:
Inscrutable is from ecclesiastical Latin inscrutabilis, from in- ‘not’ and scrutari ‘to search’ also found in scrutiny (Late Middle English).