What does intense scrutiny mean?
Asked by: Alexanne Auer | Last update: February 8, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (26 votes)
Intense scrutiny means a very careful, detailed, and often critical examination or observation of someone or something, looking for flaws, details, or information, implying extreme focus and rigor, common for politicians, policies, or projects needing thorough review. It combines "intense" (extreme strength/degree) and "scrutiny" (close, careful study).
What is the meaning of intense scrutiny?
What does it mean when something is "subjected to intense scrutiny"? It means that something is being examined very carefully and critically, often because there is a reason to suspect a problem or issue.
What is the meaning of scrutiny?
Scrutiny means a careful, thorough, and often critical examination or investigation of something or someone, looking for details, mistakes, or inconsistencies, like a close look at data, a person's actions, or voting ballots. It involves close watching, surveillance, or a detailed inquiry to gain information or ensure correctness, stemming from Latin roots meaning to search through trash for something valuable.
What is the meaning of intensive scrutiny?
The phrase "an intensive scrutiny" is correct and usable in written English. It can be used when referring to a thorough and detailed examination or analysis of something. Example: "The project underwent an intensive scrutiny by the review board to ensure all standards were met."
What is intense public scrutiny?
Public scrutiny is a social construct representing the intense, collective examination and critical assessment of an organization's actions, decisions, and stated commitments by the general populace, media, and civil society groups.
[n] Scrutiny meaning (critical observation) with 5 examples
What are the three types of scrutiny?
Then the choice between the three levels of scrutiny, strict scrutiny, intermediate scrutiny, or rational basis scrutiny, is the doctrinal way of capturing the individual interest and perniciousness of the kind of government action.
What is an example of scrutiny?
A scrutiny example involves a politician's finances facing close media and public examination, a scientific theory undergoing rigorous peer review and data checking, or a detective carefully inspecting a crime scene for tiny clues; it's any detailed, critical inspection to find flaws or gain deep understanding, often when something is under suspicion or requires validation.
What do you mean by intense?
"Intense" means existing or occurring in a very high degree, extreme, or severe; it describes something very strong, forceful, or deep, like intense heat, intense pain, intense feelings (anger, love, focus), or intense colors, often implying great energy, seriousness, or passion. It can refer to extreme physical sensations, deep emotions, strenuous activity (like intense study), or even a person's serious, focused personality.
What is the legal definition of scrutiny?
Strict scrutiny is a form of judicial review that courts in the United States use to determine the constitutionality of government action that burdens a fundamental right or involves a suspect classification (including race, religion, national origin, and alienage).
What is the synonym of scrutiny?
Common synonyms for scrutiny, meaning close, careful examination, include examination, inspection, investigation, analysis, study, review, inquiry, surveillance, and observation. More informal options or related terms can be a probe, scan, once-over, or deep look, while formal synonyms include audit, perusal, assessment, and consideration.
Is scrutiny positive or negative?
The word "scrutiny" will always carry negative connotations, especially for teachers. Its definition is critical observation or examination or surveillance; close and continuous watching - neither of which do anything to make it sound like something teachers would want done to them.
How do you show scrutiny?
One of the most powerful ways to improve scrutiny is by genuinely listening to witnesses. Too often, committees focus on what they want to say rather than responding to what has been said.
What are some examples of scrutiny in action?
One example of strict scrutiny in action is a case where a state law restricts voting rights based on race. Courts would evaluate whether the law serves a compelling governmental interest and whether it is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest.
What is the meaning of scrutiny in simple words?
1. : a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : examination. 2. : a searching look.
What is emotional scrutiny?
Emotional Appeal Scrutiny involves the critical examination and assessment of communication strategies that utilize emotional triggers, such as fear, hope, or guilt, to influence public attitudes and behaviors toward sustainability.
What are the three levels of scrutiny?
The three levels of judicial scrutiny in U.S. constitutional law are Strict Scrutiny, Intermediate Scrutiny, and Rational Basis Review, used by courts to test if a law violates rights, with each level setting a different standard for the government to prove its action is constitutional, ranging from very difficult (strict) to very easy (rational basis). They determine if a law serves a "compelling" interest (strict), an "important" interest (intermediate), or a "legitimate" interest (rational basis) and if the means used are appropriately tailored.
What does it mean to scrutinize someone?
To scrutinize someone means to examine them very closely, carefully, and often critically, looking for details, flaws, or to judge their actions, character, or motives with intense, detailed attention, as if trying to discover something hidden or ensure they are acceptable. It's a thorough inspection that can feel invasive or judgmental, focusing on minute details to find mistakes or confirm correctness.
How to respond to scrutiny?
Here's how to respectfully respond to public scrutiny
- THINK BEFORE RESPONDING. ...
- BE RESPECTFUL. ...
- ACCEPT IT AND MOVE ON. ...
- BE COMPASSIONATE AND UNDERSTANDING. ...
- THANK THE PERSON FOR SPEAKING UP. ...
- MAKE IT A CONVERSATION. ...
- RESPECTFULLY EXPLAIN WHY YOU DISAGREE. ...
- REMAIN CALM AND COLLECTED.
Does intense mean serious?
adjective. If you describe an activity as intense, you mean that it is very serious and concentrated, and often involves doing a lot in a short time. The battle for third place was intense. Synonyms: fierce, close, tough More Synonyms of intense.
How to deal with an intense person?
Getting the most from an intense person
- Let them talk and don't interrupt. Yes, it may feel overwhelming but try to listen for valuable substance, not their style.
- Ask them questions, for example, "What do you think is the wisest idea?"
- Feel and show them respect.
What is an example of intense?
An intense example is something strong, extreme, or powerful, like the intense heat from a fire, an intense debate with strong feelings, an intense look in someone's eyes, or the intense concentration required for a difficult task, highlighting a high degree of a quality, feeling, or action.
What is an example of intense scrutiny?
Pure science came under intense scrutiny. Last year, the race was run under intense scrutiny. The intense scrutiny of an assembly of buyers also means that any aspects of a property that fail to please also come to light much more quickly.
How does scrutiny affect behavior?
We examine in a lab experiment whether people are more honest in public than in private. We find that outcome-minded subjects lie less in public to conform with expectations about others' behavior, which are ironically false. Rule-minded subjects, in turn, do not respond to public scrutiny.
What triggers strict scrutiny?
To pass the strict scrutiny test, a law must be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling government interest. The same test applies whether the racial classification aims to benefit or harm a racial group. Strict scrutiny also applies whether or not race is the only criteria used to classify.