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Prospecting: meaning, definitions and examples

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prospecting

 

[ ˈprɑːspɛktɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

sales activity

Prospecting is the process of identifying and reaching out to potential customers or clients for the purpose of generating new business. It involves researching and qualifying leads that may have an interest in a product or service.

Synonyms

finding, lead generation, searching.

Examples of usage

  • The salesperson spent the afternoon prospecting for new clients.
  • Effective prospecting can help increase sales and grow a business.
  • He uses social media as a tool for prospecting and connecting with leads.
Context #2 | Verb

exploration activity

To prospect means to search for mineral deposits or precious metals, commonly used in the context of mining and geological exploration. It's often associated with searching for valuable resources in specific areas.

Synonyms

explore, investigate, search.

Examples of usage

  • They plan to prospect the riverbed for gold.
  • Geologists were prospecting in the remote area for mineral resources.
  • He learned how to prospect for diamonds as part of his training.

Translations

Translations of the word "prospecting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prospecção

🇮🇳 खोजबीन

🇩🇪 Prospektion

🇮🇩 prospek

🇺🇦 перспективне дослідження

🇵🇱 prospecting

🇯🇵 プロスペクティング

🇫🇷 prospection

🇪🇸 prospección

🇹🇷 maden arama

🇰🇷 탐사

🇸🇦 استكشاف

🇨🇿 průzkum

🇸🇰 prieskum

🇨🇳 勘探

🇸🇮 raziskovanje

🇮🇸 leitni

🇰🇿 зерттеу

🇬🇪 მოძებნა

🇦🇿 tədqiqat

🇲🇽 prospección

Etymology

The term 'prospecting' originates from the Latin word 'prospectare', meaning 'to look forward' or 'to look out for'. The word evolved through Old French before entering the English language. In its early uses, prospecting was closely associated with exploration and discovery, particularly in mining contexts during the 19th century when gold rushes attracted thousands of prospectors seeking fortune. As industries evolved, the term extended beyond mining to encompass the sales field, where it signifies the search for new business opportunities and potential clients. Today, it holds significant importance in both commerce and geology, reflecting society's ongoing quest for resources and connections.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,414, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.