'prospect' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'prospectus,' where 'pro-' meant 'forward' and 'specere' meant 'to look.'

'prospectus' transformed into the French word 'prospect,' and eventually became the modern English word 'prospect' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a view or outlook,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'possibility' and 'potential.'