What does "projection" mean?

1. (a forecast) a calculation or guess about what will happen in the future based on information you have now. 2. (visual display) an image or film shown on a screen or wall using a piece of equipment. 3. (something sticking out) a part of something that sticks out from a surface. 4. (psychology) when you imagine that other people have the same feelings or problems that you actually have yourself. 5. (map making) a way of showing the round Earth on a flat map. 6. (alchemy) an old idea that people could turn cheap metals like lead into gold.

projection

US //pɹəˈdʒɛkʃən// UK //pɹədʒˈɛkʃən// pro·jec·tion

1 a forecast (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

a calculation or guess about what will happen in the future based on information you have now.

an estimate or forecast of a future situation or trend based on a study of present data.

Example

The company's financial projection suggests that profits will double next year.

Example

Economic projections for the next quarter remain cautious due to the unpredictable nature of global energy markets and shifting consumer demand.
2 visual display (n.)
B1 Intermediate

an image or film shown on a screen or wall using a piece of equipment.

the presentation of an image, video, or film onto a surface using a projector.

Example

The artist used a large projection of a forest to decorate the stage.

Example

The digital projection was so crisp that the audience could see the individual brushstrokes of the original painting on the gallery wall.

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3 something sticking out (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

a part of something that sticks out from a surface.

a part that protrudes or extends outward from a main body or surface.

Example

The mountain climbers rested on a small rocky projection halfway up the cliff.

Example

The architect designed several decorative projections along the facade to create a play of light and shadow during the afternoon hours.
- protrusion
- ledge
- outcrop
- indentation
- recess
4 psychology (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic Technical Science

when you imagine that other people have the same feelings or problems that you actually have yourself.

the mental process by which people attribute their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person.

Example

His constant accusations of lying were just a projection of his own guilt.

Example

In clinical psychology, projection is viewed as a defense mechanism where an individual denies their own negative traits by perceiving them in others.
- attribution
- displacement
5 map making (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Math

a way of showing the round Earth on a flat map.

a systematic transformation of the latitudes and longitudes of locations from the surface of a sphere into locations on a plane.

Example

The Mercator projection is a famous map that makes countries near the poles look much larger.

Example

Cartographers must choose a map projection that minimizes distortion for the specific geographic area they intend to represent.
- mapping
- representation
6 alchemy (n.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic Science

an old idea that people could turn cheap metals like lead into gold.

the final stage of an alchemical process, specifically the transmutation of base metals into gold or silver.

Example

Ancient alchemists spent their lives searching for the secret of projection.

Example

The manuscript detailed the final steps of projection, claiming that a small amount of the philosopher's stone could transform lead into pure gold.
- transmutation

Origin

From either the Middle French projection or its etymon, the Classical Latin prōiectiō (stem: prōiectiōn-), from prōiciō, equivalent to project + -ion. Compare the Modern French projection, the German Projektion, and the Italian proiezione.