IPA: /ˈprɒspɛkt/
KK: /ˈprɑːspɛkt/
To search for valuable resources like minerals or oil in a specific area.
The company plans to prospect for gold in the mountains next summer.
Past: prospected
Past Participle: prospected
A person or thing that is likely to succeed or be chosen, or a potential customer or client.
The sales team is excited about the new prospect they met at the conference.
To search for or explore an area to find valuable resources like minerals or oil.
The company plans to prospect for gold in the mountains next summer.
Past: prospected
Past Participle: prospected
Prospect is formed from "pro-" (meaning forward) and "specere" (meaning to look or see). The word refers to looking forward or anticipating something in the future.
Think of looking 'forward' ('pro-') to something you want to see or experience — that's what prospect means.