scopi

Scopi is the plural form of the Italian noun scopo, meaning a goal, aim, purpose, or objective. It is a common term in both everyday language and formal writing, used to refer to the intended outcomes or reasons behind actions, plans, or programs. In Italian, people talk about pursuing or achieving gli scopi, or about the scopi of a project, study, or policy.

Etymology and related terms: The word scopo derives from Late Latin scopus, which in turn comes from the Greek skopos, meaning a watcher, guide, or target. The semantic development in Italian centers on the notion of an endpoint or function to be realized. A closely related term is scopo in the singular, which remains the core noun for a single objective. In English, the cognate is scope, reflecting a shared Indo-European heritage.

Usage notes: Scopi is widely used across domains such as business, science, education, and public administration. Typical phrases include avere uno scopo (to have a goal), perseguire gli scopi di una politica (to pursue the aims of a policy), and gli scopi principali di un progetto (the main objectives of a project). While scopo emphasizes the endpoint, it can also convey the intended usefulness or function of something, depending on context. Synonyms include obiettivo, fine, meta, and motivo, though each carries nuanced shades of meaning.

See also: Scope, obiettivo, fine, meta, motivazione. In Italian, scopi remains a versatile term for describing purposes and planned outcomes in discourse ranging from casual to technical.