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

Supreme Court has ruled that religious colleges are not under the purview of federal labor laws and need not recognize unions.

From Los Angeles Times

Neither cable nor any streaming service falls under the FCC’s purview, which keeps “South Park” out of its reach and grants Parker and Stone more latitude than their broadcast peers.

From Salon

It's only the maniacal laughter in the fading bars that suggests this outlook is the purview of a madman.

From BBC

“The Daily Show” is also nominated for a best talk series Emmy and, like “The Late Show,” falls under Paramount’s purview.

From Salon

But those who come under the purview of ICE are often transferred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which may place them in institutional settings while looking for a sponsor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bounds 
• confines www.thesaurus.com
• domain