prospective English · revision 15317

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=a1430|origins=ine-pro *spek-}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /pɹəˈspɛktɪv/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[bor|frm|prospectif]] (obsolete) and directly [[la-med|prōspectīvus|t=affording a prospect]],^(Etymonline)^(NODE 1998)^(MWU 2024) from the past participle stem of [[la|prōspiciō|t=to look out on, look forward]] (see [[prospect]]),^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) from [[m|la|prō|t=forward]] and [[m|la|speciō|t=to look at]], from [[ine-pro|*spek-|t=to observe]].^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ As a noun, a magic mirror, before 1430 in the OED.^(OED 1989) The adjective, looking to the future, is from the 1580s in Etymonline and about 1590 in the OED;^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) Merriam-Webster dates a sense to 1581.^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Affording a fine view, and so elevated, is from 1588,^(OED 1989) and suitable for viewing at a distance from 1603.^(OED 1989) As a noun it meant an outlook or view (1590s) and a spyglass or telescope (17th century).^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) Operative with regard to the future is from 1800,^(OED 1989) and expected, in prospect, as in ''a prospective buyer'', by 1829.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * before 1430 – a magic mirror.^(OED 1989)

+ * c. 1590 – looking forward.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1630 – a telescope (noun).^(OED 1989)

+ * 1829 – expected, likely.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Likely or expected to be or happen; [[potential]]: ''a prospective buyer''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Looking towards or relating to the future.^(Collins 2023)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[prospectively]]

+ * [[prospectiveness]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[prospect]]

+ * [[prospector]]

+ * [[prospectus]]

+ * [[spectacle]]

+ * [[perspective]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}