Orient vs. Orientate — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 2, 2024
"Orient" is primarily used to find one's position or direction, while "orientate" is often interchangeable but can imply a process of orientation or alignment.
Difference Between Orient and Orientate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Orient" is commonly used to describe the act of determining one's location or direction relative to one's surroundings. It emphasizes the action of positioning oneself or something in a specific direction. On the other hand, "orientate" is used similarly to refer to the process of finding one's bearing or adapting to a new situation, though it tends to suggest a more comprehensive adjustment or alignment process.
In the context of geography or physical settings, "orient" is the preferred term when discussing the positioning of objects or individuals with respect to cardinal points or specific landmarks. Whereas "orientate" might be used in the same context, it is more frequently found in British English and can sometimes imply a broader sense of adjustment beyond mere physical positioning.
When it comes to personal or professional development, to "orient" oneself often means to understand one’s role or the lay of the land in a new job or situation. "Orientate," in this realm, can imply a deeper level of adaptation or the process of becoming familiar with and adjusted to new conditions, rules, or environments.
In educational settings, "orientation" sessions are designed to "orient" new students to campus life, suggesting a direct action toward familiarization. "Orientate" might be used to describe the overall process and activities involved in making students comfortable and acquainted with their new surroundings, incorporating a sense of thorough preparation.
While "orient" and "orientate" are frequently used interchangeably, the choice between them often comes down to regional preferences or the context of the discussion, with "orient" being more common in American English and "orientate" in British English. Regardless, both terms fulfill important roles in conveying the nuances of positioning, direction, and adjustment.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To position in relation to the points of the compass or other specific directions.
Often used interchangeably with "orient" but can imply a more comprehensive process of adjustment.
Usage Context
More commonly used in American English for both physical and metaphorical positioning.
More frequent in British English, with a slight preference in contexts requiring an adjustment process.
Connotation
Direct action of positioning or finding direction.
Suggests a process of becoming oriented, sometimes with a broader scope of adjustment.
Examples in Use
Aligning buildings with cardinal points; orienting oneself in a new city.
Orientating a new employee; orientating oneself to new regulations.
Regional Preference
Preferred in American English.
More commonly used in British English but understood globally.
Compare with Definitions
Orient
To find one’s position relative to one’s surroundings.
He oriented the map to match the landscape.
Orientate
To face or turn towards a particular point or direction.
The building is orientated to capture maximum sunlight.
Orient
Align or position something relative to points of a compass.
The architect oriented the house towards the east for sunrise.
Orientate
To position oneself or something in a specific direction.
He orientated the antenna for better reception.
Orient
Adjust or tailor something to suit a particular purpose.
The course is oriented towards beginners.
Orientate
Engage in the process of becoming familiar with a new environment.
The program helps students orientate to college life.
Orient
Familiarize oneself with a new situation.
She took a week to orient herself in her new role.
Orientate
To undergo orientation.
New hires orientate during their first week on the job.
Orient
To direct someone's attention to a specific direction or purpose.
The guide oriented tourists towards the main attractions.
Orientate
Adjust or align something to match or fit certain conditions or requirements.
The policies are orientated towards sustainable development.
Orient
The Orient is a term for the East, traditionally comprising anything that belongs to the Eastern world, in relation to Europe. It is the antonym of Occident, the Western World.
Orientate
Orientate (foaled March 29, 1999 in Kentucky) is an American Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 2002 Breeder's Cup Sprint and was voted the U.S. Champion Sprint Horse of 2002.A descendant of the great Nearco through his son Royal Charger, Orientate was bred by Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd. and raced by Bob & Beverly Lewis.
Orient
Orient The countries of Asia, especially of eastern Asia.
Orientate
To orient
"He ... stood for a moment, orientating himself exactly in the light of his knowledge" (John le Carré).
Orient
The luster characteristic of a pearl of high quality.
Orientate
To face or turn to the east.
Orient
A pearl having exceptional luster.
Orientate
To face a given direction.
Orient
(Archaic) The place on the horizon where the sun rises; the east.
Orientate
To determine one's position relative to the surroundings; to orient (oneself).
He came out of the station and took some time to orientate himself.
Orient
Having exceptional luster
Orient gemstones.
Orientate
To arrange in order; to dispose or place (a body) so as to show its relation to other bodies, or the relation of its parts among themselves.
Orient
(Archaic) Eastern; oriental.
Orientate
To position (something), to align relative to a given position.
Try to orientate your students towards the science subjects.
Orient
To align or position in a particular direction or in a particular relation to the points of the compass
Orient the swimming pool north and south.
Oriented the telescope toward the moon.
Orientate
(archaic) To move or turn toward the east; to veer from the north or south toward the east.
Orient
To build (a church) with the nave laid out in an east-west direction and the main altar usually at the eastern end.
Orientate
To place or turn toward the east; to cause to assume an easterly direction, or to veer eastward.
Orient
To determine the bearings of (oneself); cause (one) to know one's position in relation to the surroundings
Oriented himself by the neon sign on top of the building.
Orientate
To arrange in order; to dispose or place (a body) so as to show its relation to other bodies, or the relation of its parts among themselves.
A crystal is orientated when placed in its proper position so as to exhibit its symmetry.
Orient
To make familiar with a new situation
Events to help students get oriented to life on campus.
Orientate
Same as orient{2}.
Orient
To provide with a primary purpose or focus of attention
A medical system that is oriented toward the prevention of disease.
Orientate
To move or turn toward the east; to veer from the north or south toward the east.
Orient
Usually preceded by the: Orient
Orientate
Determine one's position with reference to another point
Orient
The part of the horizon where the sun first appears in the morning; the east.
Orient
(obsolete) A pearl originating from the Indian region, reputed to be of great brilliance; (by extension) any pearl of particular beauty and value.
Orient
(by extension) The brilliance or colour of a high-quality pearl.
Orient
Rising, like the morning sun.
Orient
Of the colour of the sky at daybreak; bright in colour, from red to yellow.
Orient red
Orient
Of, facing, or located in the east; eastern, oriental.
Orient
Of a pearl or other gem: of great brilliance and value; (by extension) bright, lustrous.
Orient
(transitive) To build or place (something) so as to face eastward.
Orient
To align or place (a person or object) so that his, her, or its east side, north side, etc., is positioned toward the corresponding points of the compass; to rotate (a map attached to a plane table) until the line of direction between any two of its points is parallel to the corresponding direction in nature.
Orient
(transitive) To direct towards or point at a particular direction.
The workers oriented all the signs to face the road.
Orient
To determine which direction one is facing.
Let me just orient myself and we can be on our way.
Orient
To familiarize (oneself or someone) with a circumstance or situation.
Give him time to orient himself within the new hierarchy.
Orient
To set the focus of (something) so as to appeal or relate to a certain group.
We will orient our campaign to the youth who are often disinterested.
Orient
(intransitive) To change direction to face a certain way.
Orient
Rising, as the sun.
Moon, that now meet'st the orient sun.
Orient
Eastern; oriental.
Orient
Bright; lustrous; superior; pure; perfect; pellucid; - used of gems and also figuratively, because the most perfect jewels are found in the East.
Orient
The part of the horizon where the sun first appears in the morning; the east.
[Morn] came furrowing all the orient into gold.
Orient
The countries of Asia or the East.
Best built city throughout the Orient.
Orient
A pearl of great luster.
Orient
To define the position of, in relation to the orient or east; hence, to ascertain the bearings of.
Orient
To acquaint with new surroundings or a new situation.
Orient
Fig.: To correct or set right by recurring to first principles; to arrange in order; to orientate.
Orient
Same as Orientate, 2.
Orient
To place (a map or chart) so that its east side, north side, etc., lie toward the corresponding parts of the horizon;
Orient
The countries of Asia
Orient
The hemisphere that includes Eurasia and Africa and Australia
Orient
Be oriented;
The weather vane points North
Orient
Determine one's position with reference to another point
Orient
Cause to point;
Orient the house towards the West
Orient
(poetic) eastern;
The orient sun
Common Curiosities
Does "orientate" imply a longer process than "orient"?
Sometimes "orientate" suggests a broader or more comprehensive process of adjustment or alignment, but this is not a strict rule.
Is "orientate" acceptable in professional or academic writing?
Yes, "orientate" is acceptable, especially in British English or when the context implies a process of adaptation or alignment.
Which term is more common in scientific writing?
"Orient" is generally more common in scientific writing, especially in American English-dominated fields.
Can "orient" refer to adjusting one's beliefs or attitude?
Yes, "orient" can metaphorically refer to adjusting one's beliefs, attitude, or approach towards a particular viewpoint or situation.
Is "orientate" widely used outside of the UK?
While more common in British English, "orientate" is understood and occasionally used in other English-speaking regions, including the US.
How do I know whether to use "orient" or "orientate" in my writing?
Consider your audience and the regional version of English they may expect. Also, think about whether you're describing a simple act of positioning or a more comprehensive process of adaptation.
Is "orient" or "orientate" more correct?
Both are correct, but "orient" is more commonly used in American English, while "orientate" is more prevalent in British English.
Can "orient" and "orientate" be used interchangeably?
Yes, in many contexts, they are interchangeable, though some nuances in meaning may suggest a preference for one over the other depending on the situation.
Can "orientate" be used in a physical context, like mapping?
Yes, it can be used similarly to "orient" for positioning or direction-finding in physical spaces.
Do "orient" and "orientate" have different origins?
Both words stem from the Latin "oriens" meaning rising, east, or sunrise. The suffix differences reflect variations in usage over time and between dialects of English.
Are there situations where only "orient" should be used?
In precise technical or navigational contexts, "orient" is often preferred for its brevity and direct association with directionality.
How do new employees get "orientated" in a company?
Through orientation programs that help them understand the company culture, policies, and their role within the organization.
How do "orient" and "orientate" relate to cultural adaptation?
Both can be used to describe the process of adapting to a new culture, with "orientate" perhaps emphasizing the adjustment aspect.
Is there a difference in the noun forms of "orient" and "orientate"?
The noun form "orientation" is used for both, referring to the act or process of orienting or being oriented.
What is the passive form of "orient"?
The passive form is "oriented," as in "The building is oriented towards the east."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
