prospect-n; 4 Senses

Sense Number 1: possibility for the future

Commentary: Most often the possibility for a person's future success, but can refer to any possibility for the future. Usually qualified by an adjective.

Examples:
He has good prospects as a writer.
I'm trying to improve the prospects for disadvantaged youth.
The prospect of biological terrorism is constantly in our minds.
Perhaps spending Christmas around a fireplace isn't such a bad prospect after all.
What are my prospects for survival, doctor?

Mappings:
PropBank: NP
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 1 5

Sense Number 2: a candidate

Commentary: A person or thing that is being considered for some position. Often used to describe job applicants. A prospective employee.

Examples:
The best prospects will ace the difficult questions on the interview.
Anyone identified with the landlord was a bad prospect for marriage.
With a hundred and fifty career goals, John was a good prospect for the hall of fame.

Mappings:
PropBank: NP
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 3: literal viewpoint

Commentary: The view of something, usually a region. Often used in the names of towns or places.

Examples:
I lived in Prospect Point, Maryland, for two years after graduation.
The hill has a great prospect of the valleys below.

Mappings:
PropBank: NP
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 4

Sense Number 4: metaphoric viewpoint

Commentary: The 'view' or 'perspective' in a metaphoric sense; one's opinion of something. Does not refer to expectations of the future. Often used in proper names; the popular magazine 'The American Prospect' refers to a metaphoric view of America.

Examples:
John maintained a realistic prospect of his chance of success.
What's your prospect on the situation?
I wrote an article for The American Prospect.

Mappings:
PropBank: NP
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 2