What is prospect? Pronunciation and usage in English

prospect means . Learn how to pronounce and use prospect through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of prospect

prospectnoun

/ˈprɒspɛkt/
Definition & pronunciation of prospect

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "prospect" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • pro-: This part sounds like "pro" as in "problem" – a short, crisp "pro" sound.
  • spec-: This part is trickier. It’s a combination of sounds:
    • “sp” – as in “spin”
    • “ect” – This is the key! This sound combines an “e” (like in “bed”) and a “kt” (like in “kite” but shorter and quicker).

2. Putting it Together – The Most Common Pronunciation:

The most common pronunciation in American English is:

ˈprɒ spekt

  • ˈprɒ – Stress is on the first syllable ("pro"). The "o" makes a short, open "o" sound (like in "hot").
  • spekt – Pronounce the "spec" part as described above – “sp” followed by “ect.”

3. British English Pronunciation:

British English often sounds slightly different:

ˈprɒ spect

  • The ‘spect’ is very similar to the American English pronunciation, but sometimes the 'e' sound is less distinct.

4. Tips & Considerations:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "ect": It’s a quick, clipped sound. Don't linger on it.
  • The “spect” blends together: It’s not two separate syllables; they flow together.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "pronunciation of prospect" on Google. You’ll find audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/prospect/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce words in different accents.
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce prospect" - you'll find numerous videos.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What accent are you trying to learn? (American English, British English, Australian English, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word prospect in English

Let's break down how to use the word "prospect" effectively in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun – Possibility or Chance:

  • Most Common Usage: This is the most frequent way “prospect” is used. It refers to something that might happen or be true in the future; a possibility. Think of it as a promising chance.

    • Example: “Investing in that company is a promising prospect.” (Meaning: there's a good chance it will be profitable).
    • Example: “The weather forecast looks like a good prospect for a picnic.” (Meaning: the weather is likely to be nice).
    • Example: “A new job offers a bright prospect for my career.” (Meaning: it’s a good opportunity for advancement).
    • Synonyms: possibility, chance, potential, outlook, prospect.

2. As a Noun – Someone or Something with Potential (Often used in business & recruitment):

  • Business & Sales: A "prospect" is a potential customer or client. It’s someone you are trying to sell to.
    • Example: "Our sales team is focused on identifying new prospects."
    • Example: “We need to qualify these prospects to determine their budget and needs.”
    • Synonyms: lead, candidate, potential customer.

3. As a Noun – A View or Area of Land (Less common, more traditional):

  • Land/Landscape: This refers to a scenic view, a stretch of land, or an area that’s likely to be developed.
    • Example: “A beautiful prospect of the ocean opened up as we climbed the hill.”
    • Example: “The developers are eyeing that land as a potential prospect for a housing estate.”
    • Synonyms: view, vista, panorama, scene.

4. As a Verb – To Consider or Examine (Less Common)

  • To look into or consider something carefully:
    • Example: “The committee will prospect the various options before making a decision.” (Meaning: They’ll examine them).

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of "prospect" heavily depends on the context. Pay close attention to how it's being used in the sentence.
  • Positive Connotation: Generally, "prospect" carries a positive connotation – it suggests something good or likely to happen. However, it can sometimes imply uncertainty.
  • Formal Language: "Prospect" is often considered more formal than words like "chance" or "possibility."

Let's test your understanding!

Here are some sentences. Choose the best definition of "prospect" in each sentence:

  1. “The artist was captivated by the stunning prospect of the mountains in the distance.” a) A potential customer b) A scenic view c) A promising possibility

  2. “The recruiter spent the day contacting new prospects to fill the open position.” a) A beautiful vista b) A potential employee c) A chance encounter

  3. “The stock market's current performance offers a bleak prospect for investors.” a) A good opportunity b) A disappointing possibility c) A scenic view

Answers:

  1. b) A scenic view
  2. b) A potential employee
  3. b) A disappointing possibility

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific usage of the word?
  • Create some practice sentences for you to try?

Synonyms for the word prospect

Practice with vocabulary prospect

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's innovative new product line presents a positive ________ for increased market share next quarter.
  2. Investors are keenly interested in the startup's growth ________ given its disruptive technology and strong leadership team.
  3. After graduating, she began to carefully evaluate the career ________ available in the field of renewable energy.
  4. Despite the initial challenges, the long-term ________ for the global economy remains cautiously optimistic according to recent reports.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The latest market analysis suggests a strong ________ for profit growth in the technology sector next year. a) outlook b) prospect c) forecast d) visibility

  2. Before investing heavily, the mining company sent a team to ________ the area for potential mineral deposits. a) investigate b) survey c) prospect d) explore

  3. She has great ________ as a future leader, demonstrating strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. a) aptitude b) potential c) capacity d) promise

  4. The committee discussed the various ________ that could arise from the proposed policy changes. a) implications b) outcomes c) facets d) ramifications

  5. The ________ of a mandatory 10-hour workday was met with considerable resistance from employees. a) notion b) prospect c) intention d) proposal

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The possibility of a corporate merger introduced significant volatility into the stock market. Rewrite using a form of "prospect":
  2. Many young professionals are looking for opportunities abroad in their chosen fields. Rewrite using a form of "prospect":
  3. The long-term view for renewable energy sources is very positive, promising substantial advancements. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "prospect":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's innovative new product line presents a positive prospect for increased market share next quarter.
  2. Investors are keenly interested in the startup's growth potential given its disruptive technology and strong leadership team.
  3. After graduating, she began to carefully evaluate the career prospects available in the field of renewable energy.
  4. Despite the initial challenges, the long-term outlook for the global economy remains cautiously optimistic according to recent reports.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) outlook, b) prospect, c) forecast
  2. c) prospect
  3. b) potential, d) promise
  4. a) implications, b) outcomes, d) ramifications
  5. b) prospect

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The prospect of a corporate merger introduced significant volatility into the stock market.
  2. Many young professionals are exploring career prospects in international markets in their chosen fields.
  3. The long-term outlook for renewable energy sources is very positive, promising substantial advancements.

Comment ()