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project

n. · v.
US //ˈpɹɑdʒɛkt// project
  1. 1 planned task (n.)
    A2 Elementary General-service

    a piece of work that is planned and takes a period of time to finish.

    a planned endeavour, typically involving multiple stages and a specific objective.

    Example

    The students are working on a science project about renewable energy.

    Example

    The construction project was delayed by several months due to unforeseen structural issues and a shortage of skilled labour.

    Usage

    Often used with 'on' to indicate the subject matter.
  2. 2 low-income housing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    a group of houses or apartments built by the government for people with low incomes.

    a government-subsidised housing development, typically in an urban area.

    Example

    He grew up in the projects in Chicago before becoming a famous musician.

    Example

    The city council proposed a complete renovation of the housing projects to improve living standards for the residents.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural form 'the projects'.
    • social housing
    • public housing
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  1. 3 to stick out (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to stick out from a surface or an edge.

    to extend or protrude beyond a surface or edge. Intransitive in this sense.

    Example

    Be careful of the sharp nails that project from the old wooden fence.

    Example

    The balcony projects over the street, offering a panoramic view of the city's historic district.

    Usage

    Often followed by 'from' or 'over'.
  2. 4 to show an image (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to show a picture or film on a screen or wall using light.

    to cast an image, shadow, or light onto a surface.

    Example

    The teacher used a laptop to project the slides onto the whiteboard.

    Example

    The artist used a powerful laser to project intricate geometric patterns onto the side of the cathedral.
  3. 5 to predict (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to guess or calculate what will happen in the future based on current information.

    to estimate or forecast a future situation based on a study of present trends.

    Example

    Experts project that the population will grow by ten percent next year.

    Example

    The finance department projects a significant increase in revenue following the launch of the new product line.

    Usage

    Often followed by a 'that' clause or a noun phrase.
  4. 6 to present oneself (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to behave in a way that gives other people a certain impression of you.

    to present oneself or one's qualities to others in a specific manner.

    Example

    It is important to project confidence during a job interview.

    Example

    The politician worked hard to project an image of stability and competence during the economic crisis.
  5. 7 psychological projection (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Psychology

    to imagine that other people have the same feelings or problems that you have.

    to attribute one's own unconscious thoughts, feelings, or traits to another person.

    Example

    He is projecting his own insecurities onto his colleagues when he calls them lazy.

    Example

    In therapy, the patient began to realise she was projecting her fear of failure onto her supportive partner.

    Usage

    Typically takes the preposition 'onto'.
  6. 8 to speak loudly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    to speak or sing loudly and clearly so that people far away can hear you.

    to use the voice in a way that makes it audible at a distance, especially in a theatre.

    Example

    You need to project your voice so the people in the back row can hear.

    Example

    The lead actor was praised for his ability to project his voice without losing the emotional nuance of the dialogue.
Origin

From Latin prōiectus, perfect passive participle of prōiciō (“throw forth, extend; expel”).

Word family

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