Scrutiny vs. Review — What's the Difference?

Emphasizes critical analysis and fault-finding.

General assessment or summary of the characteristics or performance.

Intense and detailed examination to uncover facts or assess quality.

Can be found in various forms such as book reviews or product reviews.

Common in legal, regulatory, and academic fields.

Often aims to inform or guide public opinion or consumer choice.

Associated with a meticulous and skeptical approach.

Less intense than scrutiny, focusing on broader evaluations.

Often used in contexts requiring precision and thorough investigation.

Useful in summarizing broad concepts or wide-ranging impacts.

Scrutiny (French: scrutin; Late Latin: scrutinium; from scrutari, meaning "those who search through piles of rubbish in the hope of finding something of value" and originally from the Latin "scruta," meaning "broken things, rags, or rubbish."). In Roman times, the "scrutari" of cities and towns were those who laboriously searched for valuables amidst the waste and cast-offs of others.

A review is an evaluation of a publication, service, or company such as a movie (a movie review), video game (video game review), musical composition (music review of a composition or recording), book (book review); a piece of hardware like a car, home appliance, or computer; or softwares such as business software, sales softwares; or an event or performance, such as a live music concert, play, musical theater show, dance show or art exhibition. In addition to a critical evaluation, the review's author may assign the work a rating to indicate its relative merit.

Close, careful examination or observation.

To look over, study, or examine again

Intense study of someone or something.

To consider retrospectively; look back on

Thorough inspection of a situation or a case.

To examine with an eye to criticism or correction

An examination of catechumens, in the last week of Lent, who were to receive baptism on Easter Day.

To write or give a critical report on (a new work or performance, for example).

A ticket, or little paper billet, on which a vote is written.

(Law) To evaluate (a decision made by or action taken by a lower court) to determine whether any error was made.

An examination by a committee of the votes given at an election, for the purpose of correcting the poll.

To subject to a formal inspection, especially a military inspection.

To scrutinize.

To go over or restudy material

Close examination; minute inspection; critical observation.

To write critical reviews, especially for a newspaper or magazine.

An examination of catechumens, in the last week of Lent, who were to receive baptism on Easter Day.

A reexamination or reconsideration.

A ticket, or little paper billet, on which a vote is written.

A retrospective view or survey.

An examination by a committee of the votes given at an election, for the purpose of correcting the poll.

A restudying of subject matter.

To scrutinize.

An exercise for use in restudying material.

The act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)

A report or essay giving a critical estimate of a work or performance.

A prolonged intense look

A periodical devoted to articles and essays on current affairs, literature, or art.

An inspection or examination for the purpose of evaluation.

A formal military inspection.

A formal military ceremony held in honor of a person or occasion.

(Law) An evaluation conducted by a higher court of a decision made or action taken by a lower court to determine whether any error was made.

A musical show consisting of often satirical skits, songs, and dances; a revue.

A second or subsequent reading of a text or artifact in an attempt to gain new insights.

An account intended as a critical evaluation of a text or a piece of work.

(legal) A judicial reassessment of a case or an event.

A stage show made up of topical sketches etc.

A survey of the available items or material.

A periodical which makes a survey of the arts or some other field.

A military inspection or display for the benefit of superiors or VIPs.

A forensic inspection to assess compliance with regulations or some code.

To survey; to look broadly over.

To write a critical evaluation of a new art work etc.; to write a review.

To look back over in order to correct or edit; to revise.

To look over again (something previously written or learned), especially in preparation for an examination.

(obsolete) To view or see again; to look back on.

(obsolete) To retrace; to go over again.

To view or see again; to look back on.

To go over and examine critically or deliberately.

To retrace; to go over again.

To look back; to make a review.

A second or repeated view; a reëxamination; a retrospective survey; a looking over again; as, a review of one's studies; a review of life.

An examination with a view to amendment or improvement; revision; as, an author's review of his works.

A critical examination of a publication, with remarks; a criticism; a critique.

A periodical containing critical essays upon matters of interest, as new productions in literature, art, etc.

An inspection, as of troops under arms or of a naval force, by a high officer, for the purpose of ascertaining the state of discipline, equipments, etc.

The judicial examination of the proceedings of a lower court by a higher.

A lesson studied or recited for a second time.

A new appraisal or evaluation

An essay or article that gives a critical evaluation (as of a book or play)

A subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment

(accounting) a service (less exhaustive than an audit) that provides some assurance to interested parties as to the reliability of financial data

A variety show with topical sketches and songs and dancing and comedians

A periodical that publishes critical essays on current affairs or literature or art

A summary at the end that repeats the substance of a longer discussion

(law) a judicial reexamination of the proceedings of a court (especially by an appellate court)

Practice intended to polish performance or refresh the memory

A formal or official examination;

Look at again; examine again;

Appraise critically;

Hold a review (of troops)

Refresh one's memory;

Look back upon (a period of time, sequence of events, etc.); remember;

Reviews provide consumers with evaluations that help them make informed purchasing decisions based on the experiences of others.

The main goal of scrutiny is to examine something in great detail with a critical approach to uncover truths or assess quality.

Scrutiny is commonly applied in legal, academic, or any context demanding high precision and thorough analysis.

Film reviews can significantly impact box office performance, public perceptions, and critical acclaim.

Yes, if the scrutiny uncovers faults or compliance failures, it can lead to penalties, changes in procedures, or reputational damage.

Typical outcomes can include consumer awareness, influencing buying behaviors, and guiding manufacturer improvements.

A review is generally a formal assessment, often intended for public consumption, while feedback is typically more informal and directed at improvement.

In academic research, scrutiny ensures the integrity and validity of the research findings and maintains the scientific method.

Skills required include attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical skills, and often specialized knowledge of the subject matter.

A reviewer in the media provides critical analysis and insights into various topics, influencing public opinion and cultural trends.

Yes, reviews can be subjective, reflecting the personal opinions and tastes of the reviewer, though they often strive for objectivity.

Good reviews are balanced, well-supported by evidence or experience, and provide a clear overview of the subject’s pros and cons.

A systematic review in research is a methodical compilation and analysis of all available literature on a topic, while scrutiny is a detailed and critical examination of a specific item or issue.

Scrutiny, especially if public or regulatory, can affect a business’s operations, reputation, and compliance with laws.

While often critical, scrutiny is not necessarily negative; it plays a vital role in ensuring standards and quality are met.