scope
UK: /skəʊp/ | US: /skoʊp/
n. the extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant
n. the opportunity or possibility to do or deal with something
vt. to assess or investigate something
The word "scope" originates from the Greek "skopos," meaning "target" or "watcher," derived from "skopein" (to look, examine). It entered Latin as "scopus" and later Old Italian "scopo" (purpose), eventually evolving into English with its modern meanings of "range of view" or "extent of activity." The silent "e" is a vestige of its Latin/Italian forms. The core idea of "observing" or "examining" persists in related words like "microscope" (instrument for seeing small things) and "telescope" (for seeing distant objects).
The scope of this research covers climate change impacts over the last century.
The new policy will broaden the scope of healthcare services.
Engineers scoped the project before submitting the proposal.
The documentary provides a global scope on wildlife conservation.
Limited funding reduced the scope of our investigation.