Project
/ˈprɒdʒekt/
Definitions
4 meaningsA planned undertaking or a series of related activities designed to achieve a particular goal.
/ˈprɒdʒekt/
A planned undertaking.
The construction project is scheduled to be completed next year.
💡 Simply: A project is like a big, exciting puzzle you're trying to solve. You have a goal in mind, and you work step-by-step to reach it. Imagine building a Lego castle—that's a project!
👶 For kids: A project is a special job you do to learn or make something.
More Examples
She's working on a new writing project.
The science project required several weeks of research.
How It's Used
"The company is launching a new marketing project."
"Students must complete a research project for their final grade."
To estimate or forecast (something) for the future on the basis of present information or trends.
/prəˈdʒekt/
To estimate or forecast.
Scientists project that sea levels will rise over the next century.
💡 Simply: When you project, you're like a fortune teller, but instead of a crystal ball, you use information to guess what will happen. If you have a cookie recipe and project how many you can make with the ingredients, you're projecting!
👶 For kids: When you project, you are guessing what might happen.
More Examples
The sales team projected a significant increase in revenue.
The budget projected a surplus for the next fiscal year.
How It's Used
"Economists project a rise in inflation next quarter."
"The company projected a 10% growth in sales."
To cause an image or sound to appear on a surface or in space.
/prəˈdʒekt/
To present or throw forward.
The movie was projected onto a large screen.
💡 Simply: To project is like using a flashlight to shine a picture on a wall. You're sending something out to be seen. If you throw a ball forward, you're also projecting it.
👶 For kids: Project means to show something like a picture on a wall.
More Examples
The speaker projected his voice to reach the back of the room.
The architect projected the plans for the building.
How It's Used
"The teacher projected the image onto the screen."
"The architect projected the building design onto the land."
To convey or communicate (a particular impression, attitude, or emotion) to other people.
/prəˈdʒekt/
To convey (a particular impression) to others.
The candidate projected an image of strength and leadership.
💡 Simply: When you project an image, you're letting people see how you feel or what you think, even without saying it. Like when you smile to show you're happy, you're projecting happiness!
👶 For kids: When you project an image, you're letting people see what you are like.
More Examples
She tried to project an aura of calm, even though she was nervous.
His anger was projecting onto the team.
How It's Used
"She projected an image of confidence."
"He was accused of projecting his own insecurities onto others."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
project a shadow
To cast or create a shadow.
"The tall building projected a long shadow across the street."
From Latin *proiectum* (something thrown or projected forward), the past participle of *proicere* (to throw forth, project), from *pro-* (forward) + *iacere* (to throw).
The word 'project' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to the action of throwing something forward. Its usage evolved to include planning and forecasting in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Memory tip
Think of a plan you're putting *forward* to accomplish a goal.
Word Origin
"to throw forth"