Word of the Day
: April 26, 2008orientate
playWhat It Means
1 : to set in a definite position especially in relation the points of the compass
2 : to acquaint with an existing situation or environment
3 : to direct toward the interests of a particular group
orientate in Context
"She learned to orientate new service members in the principles, practices and tools necessary to function in the Air Force." (Ryan Davis, St. Petersburg Times, October 5, 2000)
Did You Know?
"Orientate" is a synonym of "orient," and it has attracted criticism as a consequence. "Orient," which dates from the mid-18th century, is in fact the older of the two verbs -- "orientate" joined the language in the mid-19th century. Both can mean "to cause to face toward the east" (and, not surprisingly, they are related to the noun "Orient," meaning "the East"). Both also have broader meanings that relate to setting or determining direction or position, either literally or figuratively. Some critics dislike "orientate" because it is one syllable longer than "orient," but you can decide for yourself how important that consideration is to you. Personal choice is the primary deciding factor, although "orientate" tends to be used more often in British English than it is in American English.
