scope

Everyday

1. The range of things that a subject, job or plan deals with. tree →
2. The chance or opportunity to do something: "There is scope for improvement." tree →
3. (informal) Short for telescope, microscope or the sight on a rifle. tree →
4. (verb, informal) "Scope out" means to look at something carefully to check it. tree →

In the lessons

In school and everyday life, "scope for improvement" is common teacher talk meaning you can do better. "Beyond the scope" means outside what is covered. In science, "scope" can be short for microscope. Phrases: scope for, within the scope of, beyond the scope, scope out.

Examples

• There is plenty of scope for improvement in your handwriting. tree →
• This question is beyond the scope of our lesson. tree →
• The project is huge in scope. tree →
• Look through the scope to see the cells. tree →
• Let's scope out the new playground first. tree →
• The new park gives children more scope to play. tree →

Note

Scope (range, chance) is uncountable. Many words end in -scope (telescope, microscope, periscope, kaleidoscope); "-scope" comes from Greek for "look". "Scope out" is informal.