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Locating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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locating

[ˈloʊˌkeɪtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

finding a specific place

Locating refers to the act of finding the exact position or place of something or someone.

Synonyms

discovering, finding, identifying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
locating

Useful when talking about determining the specific position or place of something, often with a sense of precision and effort.

  • The rescue team is locating the exact position of the missing hikers.
  • We are currently locating a site for the new office building.
finding

Commonly used in everyday situations when talking about coming across something that was lost or looked for, generally without the nuance of chance or precision.

  • I had trouble finding my keys this morning.
  • They finally succeeded in finding a solution to the problem.
discovering

Appropriate when referring to finding something new or unknown, often by chance and with a sense of surprise or revelation.

  • She loved discovering new music on her favorite streaming platform.
  • Scientists are constantly discovering new species in the rainforest.
identifying

Best used when determining the identity or nature of something, often involving analysis or detailed examination.

  • The scientist spent years identifying the genetic markers for the disease.
  • The police are identifying potential suspects in the case.

Examples of usage

  • The GPS system is essential for locating your destination.
  • She had difficulty locating her keys in the dark.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In GPS technology, locating refers to determining a device's position using satellites.
  • Smartphones use location services to help apps determine where you are, like maps that give you directions.
  • In augmented reality, locating involves pinpointing your position in a virtual space, enhancing how you interact with digital content.

Literature

  • In storytelling, the act of locating places adds depth to narratives, creating vivid imagery for readers.
  • Famous novels often detail locations that become characters themselves, setting the mood and tone of the story.
  • Writers utilize mapping techniques to help visualize and locate various story elements and characters.

Science

  • Locating can refer to finding the source of a sound, like determining where a bird is singing.
  • In ecology, locating species involves identifying their habitats and distribution patterns in nature.
  • Astronomy uses locating to identify celestial bodies, guiding us to explore the universe through telescopes.

Psychology

  • The ability to locate items is linked to cognitive mapping, where our brain creates mental representations of spaces.
  • Studies show that memory plays a key role in locating objects, with spatial memory allowing us to remember where things are.
  • Locating lost items can trigger stress; strategies like visualization and retracing steps can help alleviate this.

Origin of 'locating'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'locare,' meaning 'to place or set in place.'
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century, initially relating to land and property.
  • The modern usage covers many contexts, such as technology and navigation.

The word 'locating' originated from the Latin word 'locatus', which means 'to place'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in English, maintaining its core meaning of finding the position or place of something.

See also: dislocate, dislocation, locatable, located, location, locations, locatively, locator, relocatable, relocate.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,978 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.