Dictionary

purview

noun pur·view \ˈpər-ˌvyü\

: an area within which someone or something has authority, influence, or knowledge

Full Definition of PURVIEW

1
a :  the body or enacting part of a statute
b :  the limit, purpose, or scope of a statute
2
:  the range or limit of authority, competence, responsibility, concern, or intention
3
:  range of vision, understanding, or cognizance
ADVERTISEMENT

Examples of PURVIEW

  1. After the true shock and awe of a campaign of massive surplus, as in the Gulf War, no regime would have risked its survival by failing to go after the terrorists within its purview. —Mark Helprin, Wall Street Journal, 17 May 2004

Origin of PURVIEW

Middle English purveu, from Anglo-French purveu est it is provided (opening phrase of a statute)
First Known Use: 15th century

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: purvoePrevious Word in the Dictionary: purveyorAll Words Near: purview
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears