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Definition of orientation

orientation

/ˌɔːr.i.ənˈteɪ.ʃən/
o · ri · en · ta · tion

Adverb:orientationally
•
Plural:orientations
•
Adjective:orientational
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orientation Lexical Profile

orientation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person's basic attitude, beliefs, or feelings in relation to a particular subject or issue, such as politics, religion, or sexuality.

Example

"The university prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or sexual orientation."


2

A program, course, or period of introduction and training designed to help newcomers adapt to a new school, job, or environment.

Example

"All first-year students are required to attend the campus orientation before classes officially begin."


3

The determination of the relative physical position or direction of something, or the particular way in which an object is aligned or positioned.

Example

"The architect carefully considered the orientation of the building to maximize natural sunlight throughout the winter."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for orientation

• Rhymes for orientation

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century from the verb 'orient', which derives via Old French from the Latin 'oriens', meaning 'the rising sun' or 'the east'. Historically, the term referred to the practice of building churches with their altars facing east toward Jerusalem.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Orientation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/orientation
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