scopo

Scopo is an Italian noun meaning purpose, aim, or objective. It denotes the intended result of an action, project, or inquiry and is widely used in everyday speech as well as in formal contexts such as law, academia, and planning. Common English equivalents are goal, aim, and objective, and scopo is often used with verbs like raggiungere (to achieve), perseguire (to pursue), or definire (to define).

Etymology and forms: The word derives from Latin scopus, from Greek skopos, and entered Italian through medieval or early modern usage. The standard plural form is scopi. In many contexts scopo is nearly interchangeable with obiettivo or fine, though subtle distinctions exist: scopo emphasizes the intended end, while obiettivo stresses the concrete target or milestone.

Usage notes: Scopo frequently appears in discussions of research, strategy, and policy. Examples: Lo scopo della ricerca è valutare l'efficacia; Il progetto ha lo scopo di migliorare l'accesso all'informazione. In some cases, especially in technical or organizational language, ambito, campo, or portata are preferred to express scope or range rather than purpose.

See also: obiettivo, fine, finalità; etymology: from Latin scopus, from Greek skopos.