Within the area of the sea known as the offing; at a considerable distance from land, but visible from shore, often in reference to an approaching ship.
Soon to come; likely to happen; in the foreseeable future; projected to occur; on the horizon; in the wind.
At a distance, but visible.
Anticipated in the near or far future.
Indicating grammatically an activity about to begin.
Likely or expected to happen or become.
Of or relating to a prospect; furnishing a prospect.
Looking forward in time; acting with foresight.
A study that starts with the present situation and follows participants into the future
1613 March 2 (first performance), Francis Beaumont, “The Masque of the Inner-Temple and Gray’s Inn, Gray’s Inn and the Inner-Temple;[…]”, in The Dramatic Works of Ben Jonson, and Beaumont and Fletcher:[…], volume IV, London: […] John Stockdale,[…], published 1811, →OCLC, page 573, column 2
[T]hey [two pavillions] were trimmed on the inside with rich armour and military furniture, hanged up as upon the walls; and behind the tents there were represented, in prospective, the tops of divers other tents, as if it had been a camp.
A prospective (potential) member, student, employee, date, partner, etc.