First Known Use: circa 1555
Dictionary
1scope
noun \ˈskōp\
Definition of SCOPE
2
: space or opportunity for unhampered motion, activity, or thought
3
: extent of treatment, activity, or influence
4
: range of operation: as a : the range of a logical operator : a string in predicate calculus that is governed by a quantifier b : a grammatical constituent that determines the interpretation of a predicate or quantifier
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Origin of SCOPE
Italian scopo purpose, goal, from Greek skopos; akin to Greek skeptesthai to watch, look at — more at spy
Synonym Discussion of SCOPE
range, gamut, compass, sweep, scope, orbit mean the extent that lies within the powers of something (as to cover or control). range is a general term indicating the extent of one's perception or the extent of powers, capacities, or possibilities <the entire range of human experience>. gamut suggests a graduated series running from one possible extreme to another <a performance that ran the gamut of emotions>. compass implies a sometimes limited extent of perception, knowledge, or activity <your concerns lie beyond the narrow compass of this study>. sweep suggests extent, often circular or arc-shaped, of motion or activity <the book covers the entire sweep of criminal activity>. scope is applicable to an area of activity, predetermined and limited, but somewhat flexible <as time went on, the scope of the investigation widened>. orbit suggests an often circumscribed range of activity or influence within which forces work toward accommodation <within that restricted orbit they tried to effect social change>.
2scope
noun
Definition of SCOPE
1
: any of various instruments for viewing: as a : microscope b : telescope c : a telescope mounted on a firearm for use as a sight
2
Origin of SCOPE
-scope
First Known Use: 1872
3scope
transitive verb
scopedscop·ing
Definition of SCOPE
: to look at especially for the purpose of evaluation —often used with out <scoped her out from across the room — Timothy Allis>
Origin of SCOPE
perhaps from 2scope
First Known Use: 1974
SCOPE Defined for Kids
scope
noun \ˈskōp\
Definition of SCOPE for Kids
1
: space or opportunity for action or thought
2
: the area or amount covered, reached, or viewed <That subject is beyond the scope of this book.>
Medical Dictionary
scope
noun \ˈskōp\
Medical Definition of SCOPE
: any of various instruments (as an endoscope or microscope) for viewing or observing
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