# rorschach

/ˈɹɔɹˌʃɑ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rorschach
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a test where you look at a picture of a blob of ink and say what you see. It is used to help understand a person's thoughts and feelings.

For teachers: a psychological test consisting of a series of abstract inkblot images, used to explore a subject's personality and emotional functioning. Often used metaphorically to describe any ambiguous stimulus that people interpret based on their own biases.

## Examples

- The psychologist showed me a Rorschach test to see how I think.
- During the interview, the candidate's answer to the open-ended question was described as a Rorschach test for the hiring committee.
- The critic argued that the film's ambiguous ending functions as a Rorschach test, allowing each viewer to project their own personal fears and desires onto the final scene.

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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.