Words / C1

pr-uh-SPEKT-iv/prəˈspektɪv/

Prospective means expected in the future, or of a person hoping to become one: prospective students, prospective study (looking forward). Future is everyday; perspective (already in the dictionary) is a viewpoint — the classic mix-up. Retrospective looks back. Do not file last year’s PDF as the prospective timetable.

Meaning

Expected or likely in the future; of a person, hoping to become one.

Examples

• “Prospective students need the real timetable, not last year’s PDF.”
• “Prospective students need this year’s timetable, not last year’s PDF.”
• “Future is everyday. A prospective cohort is recruited and followed forward. Perspective is a viewpoint. Retrospective looks back. Prospect (noun) is a possibility or a view.”

Good to know

Future / would-be. Everyday: future. Mix-up: perspective (viewpoint). Contrast: retrospective (looking back). Last year’s file is not prospective.

Near in meaning

future

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