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Under the lens: "scrutinize" vs. "inspect"

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 25/02/2025, 05:14
English.me team member
Scrutinize and inspect. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "scrutinize" and "inspect" involve examining something carefully.

What is different?

"Scrutinize" implies a very thorough, detailed, and critical examination, often to find faults or errors. "Inspect" means to look at or examine something, often for official or routine purposes, and can be less intensive than "scrutinize".

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for scrutinize) and inspect

Examples of usage

Scrutinize
  • The detective scrutinized the evidence for any hidden clues.
  • She scrutinized the financial report before making a decision.
  • He scrutinized every detail of the proposal to find potential issues.
Inspect
  • The technician inspected the equipment for any defects.
  • They will inspect the building to ensure it meets safety standards.
  • She inspected the artwork closely at the gallery.

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