Purview

/ˈpɜːrvjuː/ noun

Definition

The range of things that someone is responsible for or interested in; the scope of authority or knowledge.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman French 'purveue,' related to 'purveyor,' derived from Latin 'providere' (to foresee, provide). Originally a legal term describing the scope of a document or official's authority.

Kelly Says

Purview started as a legal term on official documents—it literally means 'seen through' (from Latin 'providere'), so it described what an official was allowed to see and handle.

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