Scope

/skoʊp/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The extent of an area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant.

The scope of the research project was limited to environmental factors.

A range of vision, outlook, or perception.

The scope of his understanding of the issue was quite limited.

A device used to view something, especially in a scientific context (e.g., microscope, telescope).

The scientist used a microscope to examine the sample closely.

verb

To look at or examine closely.

She scoped out the area before making her move.

From Latin 'scopus', meaning 'target' or 'mark'.

within scope

Refers to something that falls under a particular area or topic.

beyond the scope

Indicates something that is outside the intended range or coverage.

scope out

To examine or observe something in order to understand it better.

scopic

Relating to viewing or observing.

microscope

An instrument for viewing very small objects.

telescope

An instrument for viewing distant objects.

To scope out

I'm going to scope out the place before we decide to go in.

Scope game

I'm just scoping the game to see what the competition is like.