Orientation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งญ
orientation
[หษหriษnหteษชสษn ]
Definitions
direction
Orientation refers to a person's beliefs, feelings, and values with respect to a specific topic or situation. It can also refer to the process of familiarizing oneself with a new environment or situation.
Synonyms
alignment, attitude, positioning.
Examples of usage
- He has a strong orientation towards environmental conservation.
- The orientation of the building allows for maximum sunlight exposure.
- Our team will provide you with an orientation to the new software.
education
Orientation in the context of education refers to the process of introducing new students to a school or college. It includes information about facilities, services, and academic expectations.
Synonyms
induction, initiation, introduction.
Examples of usage
- The orientation session helped new students get acquainted with the campus.
- Attending orientation is important to understand the school's policies.
geography
In geography, orientation is the relative physical positioning of something in relation to the points of a compass (north, south, east, west). It is crucial for navigation and understanding spatial relationships.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The map provides a clear orientation of the city streets.
- Knowing the orientation of the mountains helped us find our way.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Education
- Orientation programs help new students familiarize themselves with a schoolโs environment and resources.
- In job training, orientation can significantly influence employee retention and productivity by easing the transition into a new role.
- Many universities offer orientation sessions to connect students with peers, faculty, and support services, enhancing their social adjustment.
Psychology
- The process of orientation can affect how individuals navigate new experiences, influencing their confidence and adaptability.
- Personality traits, like openness to experience, can impact how quickly someone adapts during an orientation phase.
- Cognitive maps help people orient themselves in new environments, leveraging previous knowledge to navigate unfamiliar spaces.
Cultural Context
- Many cultures have their own unique rituals or ceremonies that serve an orientation purpose when someone transitions to a new life stage.
- In some societies, rite-of-passage events can be a significant form of orientation for youth entering adulthood.
- Cultural orientation programs aim to help immigrants understand their new societyโs customs, laws, and social norms.
Technology
- Orientation settings in smartphones and tablets allow apps to display whether the device is being held horizontally or vertically.
- In augmented reality, orientation sensors help align digital objects with the physical world, enhancing user experience.
- Website orientation often involves intuitive navigation systems so users can easily find what they are looking for, creating a smooth browsing experience.
Origin of 'orientation'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'orientare,' meaning to set or arrange, especially in relation to the East.
- It was originally used in the 15th century to describe the act of positioning something in relation to the rising sun.
- Over time, it expanded to include the concept of finding one's position in various contexts, not just geographic.
The word 'orientation' originated from the Latin word 'orientare', which means 'to face east'. This is because in ancient times, people used the direction of the rising sun (east) as a reference point for navigation and orientation. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader meaning related to alignment, direction, and familiarization in various contexts.
See also: disorient, disorientation, disoriented, disorientedly, orient, oriental.