French word

scruter

Pronunciation

IPA/skʁyte/

Meaning

  • verbscrutinize

Example

Elle scrute les documents avant de signer.

She scrutinizes the documents before signing.

Illustration for scruter (scrutinize)

More examples

Elle scrute les détails du rapport.

She scrutinizes the details of the report.

Core concept

A narrow beam of attention sweeping across a person, document, or situation until tiny flaws stand out.

Common phrases

  • scruter les détails

    scrutinize the details

  • scruter du regard

    stare at

Similar words

regarder: Look closely at someone or something to take in its appearance or movement.
voir: Notice through sight that something is present or has a particular condition.
observer: Watch with care to detect small details or changes over time.
vérifier: Establish whether information or facts are true and accurate.

Definition in French

Observer ou étudier avec soin une personne, un document ou une situation afin d'en déceler les détails ou les anomalies.

Word origin

French scruter comes through Old French from Latin scrutari, 'to search through carefully', and developed from a concrete search to close examination.

Usage tips

  • Scruter is a fairly formal transitive verb, common in reports and journalism; everyday observation often uses regarder attentivement.

Other meanings

  • stare atverb
  • observeverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word