Words / B2

ORR-ee-ent/ˈɔːrient/

To orient is to find your position, or to direct something towards a purpose: orient the map; a policy oriented towards inclusion. Orientation is the noun (already elsewhere); origin is a starting point. Orient the map to north before you pace. Mix-up: oriental is dated and often offensive for people; origin. British also uses orientate. Do not write orient for “invent a history”.

Meaning

To find your position, or to direct something towards a purpose.

Examples

• “Orient the map to north before you pace the transect.”
• “A course oriented towards resits still needs a new paper, which is the directed-towards sense.”

Good to know

orient + object; oriented towards. Noun: orientation. Twin (UK): orientate. Trap: oriental / origin. Fieldwork and policy. Find bearings or set a direction.

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