Scrutinous

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Characterized by extremely careful and thorough examination or inspection of something with close attention to detail
2. Marked by a rigorous and meticulous evaluation or analysis of an object or situation with significant focus on specifics
3. Defined by a careful and detailed investigation or review of elements, emphasizing thoroughness and precision

Etymology: "Scrutinous" is built from "scrutiny," which came into English in the early 1400s from Latin "scrutinium," meaning a close search or examination. The Latin noun in turn comes from "scrutari," "to search, examine," and that verb is ultimately linked to "scruta," "trash" or "rubbish," as in things sorted through by hand. The image behind the word is therefore someone rummaging through a heap, sifting for what matters. The adjective "scrutinous" appeared in English later, in the 1600s, when writers began adding the "-ous" suffix to describe a person or manner marked by such close searching. Its sense has stayed steady since then: a scrutinous reader or inspector looks hard at every detail.

Synonyms: exacting, critical, thorough

Antonyms: perfunctory, superficial