Scope

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈskəʊp/

Definitions

1. The area or distance visible or observable ; the range or extent over which something applies or has effect ; a device used to look at distant objects or to aim weaponry
2. The extent to which something can be seen or monitored ; the domain or field in which something operates or is relevant ; an optical tool designed for enhanced viewing or targeting
3. The breadth or distance that can be observed ; the limits or coverage of an activity or concept ; a sighting instrument for examining or aiming at objects in the distance

Etymology: The word "scope" has two separate Latin-and-Greek routes into English, and they are not the same word. The main one runs through Italian: Ancient Greek "skopos" meant a watcher or a mark to aim at, from the verb "skeptomai", "to look at" or "to examine". Latin borrowed it as "scopus", meaning "target", and Italian turned it into "scopo", meaning "purpose" or "aim". English took the sense of a goal or range from that line, which is why the idea of reach and aim sits behind the modern meanings. The same Greek root also gave English "skeptic" and "spectrum". A separate, unrelated word stands behind the "scope" of a rifle sight, the "scope" of a gun-sight or telescope. Its source is the Latin "scopa", meaning a twig or broom, which belongs to a different root entirely. The two words share a spelling in English by coincidence, so the telescope sense does not come from "skopos" but from the older Latin noun.

Synonyms: range, extent, breadth, capacity, framework

Antonyms: narrowness, limitation, restriction, smallness, contraction