prospective

Compared meaning: expected or possible, though not yet certain (adjective).

比较义项：可能发生、具备潜力或被预期将成为某种身份（形容词）。

• likely

  Predicts that an event or outcome is probably true or will probably happen, based on evidence or signs; used for events and outcomes, not for describing someone's inherent ability or future role.

  根据迹象或证据预测某事件或结果很可能是真的或即将发生；用于描述事件和结果，而不是描述某人固有的能力或未来的身份。

  Snow is likely by nightfall, according to the local weather forecast.

  根据当地天气预报，入夜后很可能会下雪。

• potential

  Highlights an inherent capability or promise that exists now but may or may not be realized, without predicting whether it will actually happen; common with abstract nouns like benefits, risks or customers.

  强调目前已经具备、但不确定是否会真正实现的潜在能力或前景，并不预测事情是否真的会发生；常与“好处”“风险”“顾客”等抽象名词搭配。

  The new policy could bring potential benefits for small businesses.

  这项新政策可能会给小企业带来潜在的好处。

• prospective 本词

  Describes someone or something anticipated to take on a role or happen in the near future, usually in formal or business settings, without judging its probability or capability.

  描述某人或某事被预期在不久的将来担任某种身份或发生，通常用于正式或商业场合，并不判断其可能性大小或能力高低。

  The realtor showed the house to several prospective buyers yesterday.

  房产经纪人昨天带几位预期买家看了这栋房子。

Likely, potential, and prospective describe something not yet certain. Likely means probably true. Potential means having the ability now, without saying if it will happen. Prospective means expected to take on a role soon in formal settings. Potential as a noun is not compared here.

这三个词都可以描述“尚未确定、但被认为有可能实现”的人或事物，但侧重点不同：likely 强调“根据迹象推断很可能发生”，常用于预测结果或事件；potential 强调“目前具备潜在能力或条件”，但不判断是否真的会发生；prospective 强调“在正式或商业场合中被预期即将成为某种身份”，如“prospective buyer”（预期的买家）。这里不比较 potential 作名词表示“潜力”本身的用法（如 great potential）。