Oriented Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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oriented

[หˆษ”หrษชษ›ntษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

directional purpose

Oriented refers to a state of being aligned or positioned in a particular direction or towards a specific goal. It is often used to describe a focus on certain activities or values, indicating a preference or a guiding principle. For example, a person may be career-oriented, indicating that they prioritize their professional life over other aspects. The term can also be applied to objects or systems that are designed with a particular orientation in mind, such as a north-oriented building.

Synonyms

aimed, aligned, directed, focused, targeted.

Examples of usage

  • She is detail-oriented in her work.
  • The program is student-oriented.
  • They have a goal-oriented approach.
  • This service is customer-oriented.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, being 'oriented' can refer to a person's awareness of themselves and their surroundings, often assessed in cognitive evaluations.
  • Orientation is crucial for learning; when someone is oriented to new information, they grasp it more readily.
  • Cognitive orientation can affect decision-making; individuals clear on their values and goals make more effective choices.

Education

  • In educational settings, orientation programs help new students adjust to the environment and expectations.
  • Educators use 'learning orientation' to describe how students approach learning tasks, influencing motivation and achievement.
  • Instructional strategies often focus on how content is oriented to learners' needs, making material more relevant and engaging.

Technology

  • In technology, 'oriented' can describe the alignment of user interfaces or features that guide users in navigation.
  • Websites can be user-oriented, meaning they are designed for ease of navigation and understanding.
  • In programming, orientation can refer to how data structures are organized or presented to users.

Cultural Perspectives

  • 'Culturally oriented' practices are important in understanding how traditions and values influence people's behaviors.
  • Orientation towards community can shape actions in societies, emphasizing collective over individualistic approaches.
  • Cultural orientations can affect how we view time, relationships, and work, illustrating diverse life approaches around the world.

Origin of 'oriented'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'oriented' comes from the Latin 'orientare', which means to rise or set straight, originally referring to the direction of the rising sun.
  • In the early 1500s, the term began to be used in English to describe the positioning of something, such as a map.
  • The modern usage expanded in the 20th century to incorporate mental and emotional positioning in various contexts.

The word 'oriented' has its origins in the Latin word 'orientare', which means 'to rise, to become evident.' This root is linked to the term 'orient', which refers to the eastern part of the world where the sun rises. The adoption of 'oriented' into the English language dates back to the 19th century and originally described the act of facing or being positioned towards the east. Over time, its usage expanded to express alignment towards any direction, goal, or objective, thus informing its current meanings related to focus and preference in various contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,470, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.