purview

[ pur-vyoo ]

noun

1. the range of operation, authority, control, concern, etc.

   Synonyms: extent, compass, responsibility, scope

2. the range of vision, insight, or understanding.
3. Law.
   1. that which is provided or enacted in a statute, as distinguished from the preamble.
   2. the purpose or scope of a statute.
4. the full scope or compass of any document, statement, subject, book, etc.

purview

/ ˈpɜːvjuː /

noun

1. the scope of operation or concern of something
2. the breadth or range of outlook or understanding
3. law the body of a statute, containing the enacting clauses

Word History and Origins

Origin of purview¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English purveu, from Anglo-French: past participle of purveier “to furnish or supply”; purvey

Word History and Origins

Origin of purview¹

C15: from Anglo-Norman purveu, from porveeir to furnish; see purvey

Example Sentences

His purview would include programs and departments he has fiercely criticized in the past, often in ways that opponents say distort or ignore facts and misinterpret science.

From Los Angeles Times

This suggests that Death in the MCU could have purview over the cycle of life rather than just reigning over death.

From Los Angeles Times

Hochman called the incumbent out for referencing city statistics while the office’s purview is the county.

From Los Angeles Times

Adding fiction to the Black List’s purview allows the site to address the growing overlap among the film, television, theater and publishing industries, said Leonard, the firm’s founder and chief executive, in an interview.

From Los Angeles Times

“If the state department of ag wants to share that information, that is their purview. But we don’t want to out anybody, if you will, in any specific region,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bounds
• confines
• domain