Prospective Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prospective

[prษ™หˆspษ›ktษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

future potential

Likely to happen in the future; expected to become or take place. Showing potential for success or achievement.

Synonyms

anticipated, future, likely, potential.

Examples of usage

  • He is a prospective candidate for the job.
  • The company is considering prospective expansion into new markets.
  • She shows great promise and is a prospective star in the making.
Context #2 | Noun

potential customer

A person or organization that is a potential customer or client.

Synonyms

potential buyer, potential client, potential customer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prospective

Use this term when referring to someone who is likely to become something in the future, often used in professional or sales settings. This word is neutral and commonly used in formal or business contexts.

  • The company organized a seminar to attract prospective students.
  • She has a meeting with a prospective business partner next week.
potential customer

This phrase is used in broader retail and commerce settings to describe someone who may purchase goods or services. It is less formal and more consumer-focused than 'potential client'.

  • The advertisement was designed to appeal to potential customers.
  • We have a special discount for potential customers who sign up this month.
potential client

Refer to this term when discussing someone who could become a client of a professional service or business, such as a law firm, consultancy, or agency.

  • Our marketing team is currently focusing on converting potential clients into actual clients.
  • The firm offers free consultations to attract potential clients.
potential buyer

This phrase is used when referring specifically to someone who might buy a product or property. Often used in the context of real estate, sales, and marketing.

  • The realtor showed the house to several potential buyers over the weekend.
  • We need to identify potential buyers for our new product line.

Examples of usage

  • The marketing team is targeting prospective clients for their new product.
  • The real estate agent met with several prospective buyers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • In academia, 'prospective students' are individuals who are considering enrolling in a program.
  • College admissions often assess prospective students' applications to gauge their suitability for the institution.

Psychology

  • Psychologists study 'prospective memory', which is remembering to perform actions in the future, like taking medication at a specific time.
  • Understanding future-oriented thinking is crucial in behavioral therapy, as it helps set goals.

Business

  • 'Prospective clients' are potential customers a company aims to attract, often identified through market research.
  • Sales strategies often focus on understanding the needs of prospective clients to tailor effective pitches.

Pop Culture

  • In films, characters often face 'prospective' dilemmas about their futures, like choosing a career or a partner.
  • Music often explores 'prospective' themes, where artists reflect on their hopes and dreams for whatโ€™s to come.

Origin of 'prospective'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'prospectivus', which means 'looking forward' or 'seeing ahead'.
  • In the 15th century, 'prospective' began to be used in English to describe things that are likely to happen in the future.

The word 'prospective' originates from the Latin word 'prospectivus', meaning 'looking forward'. It entered the English language in the late 18th century, evolving to its current usage relating to future potential and possibilities. The term has been commonly used in various fields such as business, education, and personal development.


See also: prospect, prospector, prospects.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,622, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.