How to pronounce scrutiny
Say it like SKROO-tuh-nee. Scrutiny has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKROO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce scrutiny. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKROO
- tuh
- nee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Scrutiny pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKROOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- neeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of scrutiny
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SKROO-tih-nee.
What does scrutiny mean?
- the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
- a prolonged intense look
Where does scrutiny come from?
From Middle English scrutiny, from Medieval Latin scrūtinium (“a search, an inquiry”), from Vulgar Latin scrūtor (“to search or examine thoroughly”), from Late Latin scrūta (“rubbish, broken trash”), from an extension of Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to cut”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with scrutiny
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of scrutiny.
Questions about saying scrutiny
How do you pronounce scrutiny?
Say SKROO-tuh-nee. The American pronunciation is /ˈskrutəni/. In British English it is /ˈskruːtɪni/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in scrutiny?
Scrutiny has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKROO). Broken into parts: SKROO · tuh · nee.
Is scrutiny pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈskruːtɪni/ (SKROO-tih-nee).