prospectus

IPA/prəˈspektəs/
KK[prəspˈɛktəs]IPA/prəˈspektəs/

prospectus — noun

  • prospectussingular
  • prospectusesplural

1. A printed or online booklet that describes what an educational institution or tr

1.名詞B2
釋義

A printed or online booklet that describes what an educational institution or training organisation offers, including its courses, fees, facilities, and how to apply.

例句

Wei asked the art college for a prospectus to see whether they offered a degree in graphic design.

prospectus + from + [institution] for requesting

The university's online prospectus lists every programme along with entry requirements and tuition costs.

online prospectus; lists programmes + requirements

同義詞
  • brochure

    Less formal and usually shorter; often just pictures and highlights rather than full details

  • catalog

    More of a listing of items or courses; less descriptive than a prospectus

  • handbook

    Focuses on rules and procedures rather than promotional information

文法句型

prospectus + for + institution

prospectus + of + institution

用法筆記

In British English, 'prospectus' is the standard word for a university or school brochure. In American English, 'course catalog' is more common for educational institutions, though 'prospectus' remains the norm in finance.

常見錯誤

❌I looked at the syllabus of the university.' (meaning the whole school brochure).
✅I looked at the prospectus of the university.
💡A 'syllabus' is for a single course; a 'prospectus' covers the whole institution.

2. A formal legal document published by a company when it invites the public to buy

2.名詞C1
釋義

A formal legal document published by a company when it invites the public to buy shares or other investments, containing financial data, risks, and details about how the money will be used.

例句

Before investing, Allison read the start-up's prospectus to check the financial risks.

prospectus issued by [company]; for checking risks

The IPO prospectus explained exactly how the company would use the money from investors.

prospectus + for + IPO; explains use of funds

同義詞
  • offering memorandum

    A more detailed internal document for institutional investors, not always shared with the general public

  • offering circular

    Commonly used in British and Asian markets; largely the same function as a prospectus

文法句型

prospectus + for + [offering/investment]

prospectus + issued by + [company]

用法筆記

Reading the prospectus is a legal requirement for investors in many countries before they buy shares in a new public offering. The document is regulated by financial authorities such as the SEC in the United States.

常見錯誤

❌I need the prospectus of the company's annual report.' (confusing two different documents).
✅I need the prospectus for the company's share offer.
💡An annual report reviews past performance; a prospectus describes a future share sale.