scope 1 (sk?p)n.1. The range of one’s perceptions, thoughts, or actions: broaden one’s scope by reading.2. The opportunity or possibility to function or be active: gave her imagination broad scope. See Synonyms at room.3. The extent of a given activity or subject that is involved, treated, or relevant: the scope of the debate. See Synonyms at range.4. The length or sweep of a mooring cable.5. Linguistics The range over a part of a sentence or discourse that a quantifier has an effect on.[Italian scopo, aim, purpose, from Greek skopos, target, aim; see spek- in Indo-European roots.]scope 2 (sk?p)n. Informal A viewing instrument such as a periscope, microscope, or telescope.tr.v. scoped, scop·ing, scopes 1. To examine or investigate, especially visually: scoped the landscape for signs of wildlife.2. To examine using an optical instrument such as a telescope or an endoscope: scoped the stars around Orion; scoped the patient’s esophagus.Phrasal Verb: scope out1. To make a preliminary inspection or investigation of: “That summer … she’d scoped out a big estate auction in Bennington and spotted a beautiful burnt-umber and deep-blue Chinese rug” (Janna Malamud Smith).2. To seek by inspecting various possibilities: “Some of the islanders are expert fishing guides, eagerly showing up at the airport for the weekly flight from Honolulu to scope out clients” (Paul Theroux).[From -scope (as in microscope periscope, etc.). Verb, probably from noun (perhaps influenced by scope).]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.scope out vb (tr) 1. to assess the potential of an opportunity or suggestion: a scoping-out study. 2. (Commerce) to assess the potential of an opportunity or suggestion: a scoping-out study. Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014