Prospective

/prəˈspɛktɪv/

adjectivemedium📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning3 questions

Definitions

1

Relating to or likely to happen in the future; concerned with or based on future events or possibilities.

/prəˈspɛktɪv/

adjectiveneutralmedium
General

Relating to or denoting the future

The university sent acceptance letters to prospective students.

💡 Simply: Like when you're thinking about what might happen in the future. For example, a prospective date is someone you *might* go on a date with.

👶 For kids: Meaning it *might* happen or is *going* to happen.

More Examples

2

They discussed the prospective benefits of the new technology.

3

A prospective buyer showed interest in the house.

How It's Used

Business

"The company is looking for prospective clients."

Career

"A prospective employee was interviewed."

From Latin *prōspectus* meaning 'a view' or 'sight,' from *prōspicere* 'to look forward, look out'.

The word 'prospective' has been used since the 17th century, originally linked to a view or a mental outlook.

Memory tip

Think of a 'perspective' you might have on the future.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"Looking forward, a view."

prospective clientprospective buyerprospective employeeprospective studentprospective benefits

Common misspellings

prospecttiveprospectivprospecteve

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written