prospective
Expected or likely to happen or become something in the future; potential
Examples
In a meeting
“We're meeting with prospective vendors next week to evaluate our options.”
Over coffee
“I'm looking at prospective apartments for when my lease ends.”
Why this word
potential
prospective emphasizes future orientation and likely occurrence, while potential just means possible capability
future
prospective indicates expected or anticipated future status, while future is merely temporal
possible
prospective suggests likely candidacy or expected future role, while possible indicates mere feasibility
Usage tip
Use when discussing future possibilities or candidates being considered. Implies active consideration rather than mere speculation.
Etymology
Latin: prospectus (view forward) from pro (forward) + specere (to look)
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Related words
synchronous
Occurring at the same time or operating in unison
chronological
Arranged in the order of time; following the sequence of events
earmark
To designate funds or resources for a specific future purpose
latent
Existing but not yet developed, visible, or active; hidden or dormant
asynchronous
Not occurring at the same time; allowing for flexible timing
antecedent
A thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another