projection
/prəˈdʒekʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /prəˈdʒekʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /prə-ˈjek-shən/ (ame, mw)
projection — noun
- projectionsingular
- projectionsplural
1. a reasoned estimate of future events, made by using currently available data and
a reasoned estimate of future events, made by using currently available data and noticing trends
According to the latest projections, the city's population will reach two million by 2040.
projections + population + time frame
The company's sales projections for the next year turned out to be far too optimistic.
sales projections + optimistic/pessimistic
Economic projections from the central bank suggest that inflation will remain steady through the second quarter.
The finance team presented their revenue projection to the board during the quarterly meeting.
- forecast
more common for short-term predictions, especially about weather
- estimate
less formal, can be based on incomplete data
- prediction
broader; may be based on intuition rather than data
- prognosis
primarily medical or economic; implies expert judgment
- certainty
projections are uncertain by nature; a certainty does not need calculation
文法句型
projection of [noun phrase]
according to projections
用法筆記
Frequently used in the plural form 'projections' when referring to calculated estimates in business, economics, and demographics. A single 'projection' often refers to one specific figure within a set of estimates.
常見錯誤
2. the act of displaying a film or picture on a flat surface; the image that appear
the act of displaying a film or picture on a flat surface; the image that appears when you do this
The film projection was so clear that the audience could see every detail of the actor's face.
film projection + quality description
The museum's outdoor projection of historical photographs drew a large crowd to the town square.
outdoor projection + of [images]
Dewi adjusted the focus on the projection before the visiting lecturer began her presentation.
The old cinema still uses a traditional film projection system rather than a digital one.
文法句型
projection of [noun phrase]
用法筆記
Often used in compounds: 'film projection', 'projection screen', 'projection room', 'projection booth'. The uncountable form refers to the activity or technology; the countable form refers to a specific instance or the image itself.
常見錯誤
3. a part of an object that extends outward beyond the main level of the surface ar
a part of an object that extends outward beyond the main level of the surface around it
The rocky projection on the cliff face provided a good nesting spot for seabirds.
rocky projection + location
The old building had several stone projections on its outer wall that looked like small balconies.
stone projections + description
A small projection on the bone indicates where a muscle was once attached.
A small metal projection on the door frame caught Gabriela's coat sleeve as she walked past.
- protrusion
more technical; used in anatomy and formal descriptions
- bulge
less specific; suggests roundness rather than angularity
- overhang
specifically projects outward at the top of a surface
- extension
implies something added or extended, not naturally projecting
- hollow
a depression or cavity in a surface
- indentation
a recess or dent, the opposite of a projection
文法句型
projection on/from [noun phrase]
用法筆記
More technical than everyday alternatives like 'bump' or 'lump'. Common in anatomy ('bony projection'), geology ('rocky projection'), and architecture. In everyday speech, 'protrusion' is a close synonym but slightly more formal.
4. a drawing or method that represents a three-dimensional object onto a two-dimens
a drawing or method that represents a three-dimensional object onto a two-dimensional plane using straight lines from its points
The students learned how to draw an orthographic projection of a cube in their geometry class.
orthographic projection + of [shape]
Faisal used a projection of the 3D model onto graph paper to calculate the correct dimensions.
projection of [object] onto [surface]
Most world maps use the Mercator projection, which makes countries near the poles look much larger than they really are.
The architect prepared a projection of the building to show how each floor would relate to the others.
- representation
broader term; any visual depiction on a surface
- plan view
a specific type of projection from above
- map projection
the cartographic application of this technique
文法句型
projection of [noun phrase] onto [noun phrase]
用法筆記
Technical term in geometry, engineering, architecture, and cartography. Common named types include 'orthographic projection', 'perspective projection', and 'Mercator projection'. The uncountable form refers to the technique or method; the countable form refers to a specific drawing or diagram.
常見錯誤
5. the unconscious act of attributing your own unwanted feelings, thoughts, or faul
the unconscious act of attributing your own unwanted feelings, thoughts, or faults to someone else, so they seem to belong to that other person
In therapy, Zuri learned that her accusations of jealousy in others were actually a projection of her own envy.
projection of [feeling] — attributing own emotion
The psychologist explained that projection often happens when people cannot accept their own mistakes.
projection as defense mechanism
Asher's constant suspicion of colleagues was a projection of his own careless habits.
The counsellor helped Apinya see that her fear of being rejected was a projection of her own self-doubt.
- attribution
broader; can be conscious or unconscious, positive or negative
- externalization
the act of locating a problem outside yourself
- displacement
redirecting an emotion to a different target, not falsely attributing it
文法句型
projection of [emotion/quality] onto [person]
用法筆記
Technical term in psychology, often called 'psychological projection'. It is considered a defense mechanism — the mind protects itself from uncomfortable truths by attributing them elsewhere. The uncountable form describes the general mechanism; the countable form describes a specific instance. Distinguish from sense 6 (OUTWARD EXPRESSION), where the focus is on expressing inner feelings outwardly rather than falsely attributing them to others.
常見錯誤
6. the expression of your inner thoughts, feelings, or creative ideas in a visible,
the expression of your inner thoughts, feelings, or creative ideas in a visible, audible, or tangible form
Her paintings are a projection of the dreams and emotions she carries deep inside.
projection of [inner feelings] — outward expression
The novel can be read as a projection of the author's own struggles with identity and belonging.
The mural on the community centre wall is a beautiful projection of the neighbourhood's shared history.
The dance performance was a powerful projection of the town's hope after the flood.
- expression
simpler, more common; does not imply the structured giving of form
- manifestation
suggests something abstract becoming physically evident
- embodiment
implies the idea or feeling is made concrete in a physical form
- repression
the act of holding inner thoughts and feelings back
文法句型
projection of [inner quality]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 5 (PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENSE): sense 5 is about unconsciously and falsely attributing feelings to others; sense 6 is about consciously giving form to your own inner world through art, writing, or behaviour. This sense appears primarily in literary and artistic criticism.
7. the strength and clarity of a person's voice, or the ability to make your voice
the strength and clarity of a person's voice, or the ability to make your voice heard clearly at a distance
The singing coach told Astrid that her voice had good projection but needed more breath support.
good/poor projection + voice
Actors train for strong vocal projection so the back row can hear every line.
vocal projection + purpose
Ryan's voice lacked projection, so his teacher asked him to speak up during the class presentation.
The drama teacher explained that good projection is a skill anyone can learn through regular practice.
- audibility
how easily something can be heard; narrower, focusing only on volume
- resonance
the quality of sound, not just its strength
- carry
informal; 'his voice carries well' means the same as 'good projection'
- mumbling
speaking unclearly and quietly, the opposite of good projection
文法句型
voice projection
vocal projection
用法筆記
Typically uncountable — you say 'has good projection', not 'has a good projection'. Often used in the phrase 'voice projection' or 'vocal projection'. Frequently taught in theatre, public speaking, and singing training. The focus is on audibility and clarity, not on emotional expression.