# project

/ˈpɹɑdʒɛkt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/project
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. planned task

noun · CEFR A2 · General-service

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

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

- The students are working on a science project about renewable energy.
- 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. low-income housing

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

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

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

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

### 3. to stick out

verb · CEFR B2

to stick out from a surface or an edge.

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

- Be careful of the sharp nails that project from the old wooden fence.
- The balcony projects over the street, offering a panoramic view of the city's historic district.

Usage: Often followed by 'from' or 'over'.

### 4. to show an image

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

- The teacher used a laptop to project the slides onto the whiteboard.
- The artist used a powerful laser to project intricate geometric patterns onto the side of the cathedral.

### 5. to predict

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

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

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

### 6. to present oneself

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- It is important to project confidence during a job interview.
- The politician worked hard to project an image of stability and competence during the economic crisis.

### 7. psychological projection

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- He is projecting his own insecurities onto his colleagues when he calls them lazy.
- In therapy, the patient began to realise she was projecting her fear of failure onto her supportive partner.

Usage: Typically takes the preposition 'onto'.

### 8. to speak loudly

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- You need to project your voice so the people in the back row can hear.
- The lead actor was praised for his ability to project his voice without losing the emotional nuance of the dialogue.

## Examples

- We are working on a science project for school.
- The construction company expects to complete the housing project by the end of next summer.
- Managing a multi-million dollar infrastructure project requires constant communication between engineers, local government officials, and environmental consultants to ensure every regulation is met.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.