Prospect: meaning, definitions and examples
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prospect
[ˈprɑːˌspekt ]
Definitions
future opportunities
The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring; something expected to happen; a potential customer or client.
Synonyms
chance, likelihood, opportunity, possibility, potential.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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prospect |
Examining as it is listed twice. Use when referring to a future possibility, often one that is particularly promising or exciting. It is commonly used in business, career, or personal growth contexts.
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possibility |
An option that might happen or be true, without any specific implication of probability or desirability. It is a neutral term and can fit in various contexts.
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likelihood |
Used to describe the probability or statistical measure of how likely something is to happen. This term is often found in more formal or analytical contexts.
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potential |
Refers to the inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or future success. Often used in personal, academic, career, or project evaluation contexts.
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opportunity |
Denotes a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something, generally positive and actionable. It is commonly used in professional, educational, and personal growth contexts.
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chance |
Refers to a random or accidental possibility, something that can happen without any guarantee. It is often used in casual or informal contexts and can imply a smaller likelihood.
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Examples of usage
- He was excited about the prospect of starting a new job.
- Our company is always looking for new prospects to expand our business.
- I see great prospects for growth in this industry.
view or scenery
A wide view of a landscape; a scenic outlook.
Synonyms
landscape, outlook, scenery, view, vista.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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prospect |
Used when talking about the possibility or likelihood of some future event happening.
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view |
Used to refer to the ability to see something, often from a particular place, or someone's opinion on a topic.
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scenery |
Refers to the natural features of a landscape, often focusing on its beauty.
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outlook |
Refers to someone's general attitude toward life or a specific future situation.
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landscape |
Usually refers to the physical features of an area of land, often in a more natural or rural setting.
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vista |
Often used to describe an extensive and pleasing view, usually from a high position.
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Examples of usage
- The hotel room had a beautiful prospect of the ocean.
- We hiked to the top of the mountain for a stunning prospect of the valley below.
search for mineral deposits
To explore an area for potential mineral deposits, especially by searching for gold or other valuable substances.
Synonyms
dig, explore, investigate, search, survey.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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prospect |
Used when looking for mineral deposits or potential areas of interest, often in a business or exploration context. It can also mean considering potential outcomes or futures.
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explore |
Best used when talking about discovering new regions, ideas, or subjects. It often suggests thorough and thoughtful investigation.
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search |
Used for looking for something or someone, often implying that the subject is lost or hard to find. Can be informal or formal.
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survey |
Typically used when systematically collecting data or opinions, often via questionnaires or observation. It's also used in land measurement.
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investigate |
Appropriate when referring to a formal, methodical examination into facts or crimes. Often used in legal or scientific contexts.
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dig |
Commonly used when literally breaking ground or excavating dirt, but also in informal speech meaning to deeply explore a topic. It can have a slightly informal tone.
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Examples of usage
- The company is prospecting for gold in the mountainous region.
- They hired a team of geologists to prospect the land for oil reserves.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word originates from the Latin 'prospectus', meaning 'a view' or 'sight', combining 'pro-' (forward) and 'spectare' (to look).
- It has evolved through history to refer not just to physical views, but also to future possibilities.
- The transition to modern use happened in the 14th century, transitioning from physical sight to metaphorical foresight.
Business
- In sales, a 'prospect' is a potential customer who might be interested in a product or service.
- Business strategies often focus on developing leads into prospects through marketing and personal connections.
- Successful prospecting can significantly boost a company's growth and customer base, making it a vital part of sales operations.
Education
- Students often think about their 'prospects' when choosing subjects or colleges, planning their future careers.
- Educators encourage students to explore different fields, broadening their perspectives on career prospects.
- Understanding the job market helps students to identify promising prospects for their future paths.
Psychology
- Anticipating positive future outcomes can enhance motivation and drive, helping individuals set and achieve goals.
- The concept of 'growth mindset' relates to how looking forward to possibilities can impact learning and resilience.
- Studies show that having a hopeful perspective can improve mental well-being and life satisfaction.
Pop Culture
- The term frequently appears in music and film, often relating to characters chasing dreams or aspirations.
- In popular narratives, the idea of looking forward to a 'bright prospect' often drives character development and conflict.
- Many motivational speakers use the concept of prospects to inspire audiences to envision their future possibilities.
Translations
Translations of the word "prospect" in other languages:
🇵🇹 perspectiva
- prospecto
- possibilidade
🇮🇳 संभावना
- संभावना की संभावना
- संभावना
🇩🇪 Aussicht
- Perspektive
- Möglichkeit
🇮🇩 prospek
- kemungkinan
- perspektif
🇺🇦 перспектива
- можливість
- перспектива
🇵🇱 perspektywa
- możliwość
- prospekt
🇯🇵 見込み
- 展望
- 可能性
🇫🇷 perspective
- prospectus
- possibilité
🇪🇸 perspectiva
- prospecto
- posibilidad
🇹🇷 ihtimal
- perspektif
- olasılık
🇰🇷 전망
- 가능성
- 예상
🇸🇦 آفاق
- احتمال
- منظور
🇨🇿 perspektiva
- možnost
- prospekt
🇸🇰 perspektíva
- možnosť
- prospekt
🇨🇳 前景
- 可能性
- 展望
🇸🇮 perspektiva
- možnost
- prospekt
🇮🇸 útlit
- möguleiki
- horfur
🇰🇿 перспектива
- мүмкіндік
- үміт
🇬🇪 პერსპექტივა
- შესაძლებლობა
- ხედი
🇦🇿 perspektiv
- imkan
- perspektiv
🇲🇽 perspectiva
- prospecto
- posibilidad