What does orientate mean?
Orientate means to establish the position, direction, or general alignment of something, especially relative to a map, compass, physical feature, or other reference point. It can also describe introducing someone to a new place, organization, field, or set of circumstances: first-year students may be oriented to campus life, while a new director is oriented to the company's priorities. The verb is transitive when it receives an object, as in orientate the telescope, and reflexive when it describes a person adjusting to a situation. Orientate was especially common in British English, although orient has long been the dominant form in American usage. Both words can convey the practical idea of giving someone bearings, whether literal or social. The word is also closely associated with its relatives orientation and oriented, which are widely used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
To determine or establish the position, direction, or orientation of something or someone.
"The compass helps orientate the hikers along the ridge."
Often used in technical, nautical, surveying, and instructional contexts.
To make someone familiar with a new situation, place, institution, or subject, or to direct someone's attention toward it.
"The course orientates new teachers to the national curriculum."
Commonly used reflexively as orientate oneself in British English.
Orientate originally concerned finding the east, the direction in which the sun rises.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does orientate come from?
Orientate is derived from orient, which came through Old French from the Latin orientare, meaning to set or place toward the east. Latin orientare developed from oriens, a participle meaning rising or rising sun and by extension east. Orientate was later formed with the suffix -ate; its extended sense of acquainting someone with new surroundings developed during the 19th century. The same Latin source underlies origin, original, and oriental.
Related word forms
How orientate is actually used
Orientate is standard in British English and understood in American English, where orient is generally preferred. The reflexive use orientate oneself is especially common when describing adjustment to a new environment or role.
Easily confused with orientate
Orient and orientate overlap in meaning, but orientate is especially common in British English, while orient is the usual form in American English.