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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

projection

pruh-JEHK-shuhn

Projection (noun) means a forecast or estimate based on current data. Example: “The company's revenue projection for next year looks promising.”

noun
1
A forecast or estimate based on current data.
"The company's revenue projection for next year looks promising."
2
An image displayed by casting light onto a surface.
"The museum used a wall projection to bring the ancient mural to life."
3
A part that sticks out from a surface.
"A small projection in the rock face made a natural handhold."
4
A psychological process of attributing one's own feelings onto someone else.
"Her jealousy was, in part, a projection of her own insecurities."

How to use projection

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA forecast, a displayed image, a protruding part, or (in psychology) misattributing your own feelings to others.

Common pairings
financial projection map projection film projection

Word forms

projections plural

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Fill the gap

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The company's revenue _____ for next year looks promising.

Etymology

From Latin proiectio, from proicio, "to throw forward."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for projection

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Frequently asked questions

What does “projection” mean?

The word “projection” means a forecast or estimate based on current data. In plain terms, a forecast, a displayed image, a protruding part, or (in psychology) misattributing your own feelings to others.

How do you pronounce “projection”?

“Projection” is pronounced pruh-JEHK-shuhn (/pɹəˈd͡ʒɛkʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “projection” in a sentence?

Here is “projection” used in a sentence: “The company's revenue projection for next year looks promising.”

What part of speech is “projection”?

“Projection” is a noun.

Where does the word “projection” come from?

The word “projection” comes from Latin. From Latin proiectio, from proicio, "to throw forward.".

Is “projection” a common word?

“Projection” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “projection” have?

“Projection” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a forecast or estimate based on current data.

What is the difference between a projection and a prediction?

A projection is a forecast or estimate based specifically on current data and trends extended forward, while a prediction can be based on intuition, expertise, or data alike. Projections are generally understood to be more calculation-based and conditional on the data holding true.

What does projection mean in psychology?

In psychology, projection is the process of attributing one's own feelings, thoughts, or motives onto someone else, often as a way of avoiding uncomfortable self-awareness. This sense is distinct from the financial or physical meanings of the word.

What is the difference between a projection and an estimate?

An estimate is a general approximation that can be based on limited information or rough judgment, while a projection specifically extends current data forward to forecast a future outcome. Financial projections, for instance, are built from existing figures rather than general guesswork.

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