purview

American  

[pur-vyoo] / ˈpɜr vyu /

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.

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purview British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of purview

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

Example Sentences

“Whats going on with mycareer” has also extended beyond my personal purview and into my consideration of other people’s careers, too.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

His purview includes Disney’s theme parks, famed Imagineering division, merchandise, cruise line, as well as the Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

When Dr. Makary announced his National Priority Review program last summer, some in the biotech industry worried that Dr. Prasad would use it to augment his purview and kill innovative small-molecule and cancer drugs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

Prediction markets have the potential to radically expand the universe of markets under the CFTC’s purview and open them up to a whole new set of everyday traders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

Yet, with her prescience, she was aware of dooms and sorrows outside her lover's purview.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Related Words

• confines
• domain