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Webster 1913 Edition


Prospective

Pro-spec′tive

,
Adj.
[L.
prospectivus
: cf. F.
prospectif
. See
Prospect
,
Noun.
]
1.
Of or pertaining to a prospect; furnishing a prospect; perspective.
[Obs.]
Time’s long and dark
prospective
glass.
Milton.
2.
Looking forward in time; acting with foresight; – opposed to
retrospective
.
The French king of Sweden are circumspect, industrious, and
prospective
, too, in this affair.
Sir J. Child.
3.
Being within view or consideration, as a future event or contingency; relating to the future: expected;
as, a
prospective
benefit
.
Points on which the promises, at the time of ordination, had no
prospective
bearing.
W. Jay.

Pro-spec′tive

,
Noun.
1.
The scene before or around, in time or in space; view; prospect.
Sir H. Wotton.
2.
A perspective glass.
[Obs.]
Chaucer. Beau. & Fl.

Webster 1828 Edition


Prospective

PROSPECT'IVE

,
Adj.
Looking forward in time; regarding the future; opposed to retrospective.
The supporting of Bible societies is one of the points on which the promises, at the time of ordination, had no prospective bearing.
1.
Acting with foresight.
The French king and king of Sweden, are circumspect, industrious and prospective in this affair.
2.
Pertaining to a prospect; viewing at a distance.
3.
Furnishing an extensive prospect.

Definition 2024


prospective

prospective

English

Adjective

prospective (not comparable)

  1. Likely or expected to happen or become.
    Prospective students are those who have already applied to the university, but have yet to be admitted.
  2. Anticipated in the near or far future.
  3. Of or relating to a prospect; furnishing a prospect.
    • Milton
      Time's long and dark prospective glass.
  4. Looking forward in time; acting with foresight.
    • Sir J. Child
      The French king and king of Sweden are circumspect, industrious, and prospective, too, in this affair.
  5. (medicine, of research) A study that starts with the present situation and follows participants into the future

Translations

Noun

prospective (plural prospectives)

  1. (obsolete) The scene before or around, in time or in space; view; prospect.
    (Can we find and add a quotation of Sir H. Wotton to this entry?)
  2. (obsolete) A perspective glass.
    (Can we find and add a quotation of Chaucer to this entry?)
    (Can we find and add a quotation of Beaumont and Fletcher to this entry?)
  3. (informal, often plural) A prospective (potential) member, student, employee, date, partner, etc.
    Would you like to show the prospective around?
    I'm meeting the prospectives at 3.
    • 2006, Verve: The Spirit of Today's Woman, volume 14, issues 4-6, page 114:
      At the moment, meeting interesting, 'could be, maybe not' prospectives around the globe keeps her entertained.

References

  • prospective in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913

French

Adjective

prospective

  1. feminine of prospectif