Orientate: meaning, definitions and examples
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orientate
[ ˈɔːrɪənteɪt ]
directional guidance
To orientate means to determine one's position in relation to the surrounding environment. It often involves the process of gaining a sense of direction or understanding where one is situated. This term is commonly used in navigation, both in terms of physical geography and metaphorically in life choices. In education and professional settings, orientating can also refer to helping someone understand a new system or procedure.
Synonyms
guide, locate, navigate, position
Examples of usage
- She decided to orientate herself with a map before starting the hike.
- The new employee was orientated into the company culture during the onboarding process.
- He struggled to orientate himself in the unfamiliar city.
familiarization
In a broader educational context, to orientate someone can also mean to familiarise them with a new environment or concept. This could involve giving them necessary information or skills to help adjust effectively.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The training session was designed to orientate the interns to their new roles.
- They provided resources to help students orientate themselves in the online learning platform.
Translations
Translations of the word "orientate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 orientar
🇮🇳 दिशा निर्धारित करना
🇩🇪 orientieren
🇮🇩 mengorientasikan
🇺🇦 орієнтувати
🇵🇱 ukierunkować
🇯🇵 方向付ける
🇫🇷 orienter
🇪🇸 orientar
🇹🇷 yönlendirmek
🇰🇷 방향을 정하다
🇸🇦 توجيه
🇨🇿 orientovat
🇸🇰 orientovať
🇨🇳 定位
🇸🇮 usmerjati
🇮🇸 stýra
🇰🇿 бағдарлау
🇬🇪 ორიენტაცია
🇦🇿 istiqamətləndirmək
🇲🇽 orientar
Word origin
The word 'orientate' is derived from the Latin verb 'orientare', which means 'to rise', reflecting the direction of the sunrise in the East. It incorporates 'orient', which refers to the East or the direction in which the sun rises. The term emerged around the early 20th century in British English, primarily in the context of navigation and education. While 'orient' has long been used in English to denote direction, 'orientate' gained popularity as a more specific term for the process of positioning oneself in relation to various factors. Over the years, its usage has expanded into professional and academic realms, where it signifies the introduction or adjustment to new situations. Today, 'orientate' is commonly used in sectors ranging from tourism to education, underscoring its importance in helping individuals find their bearings.