C1noun2K

Orientation

UK /["/ˌɔːriənˈteɪʃn/"]/US /["/ˌɔːriənˈteɪʃn/"]/

Definition

a person’s basic beliefs or feelings about a particular subject

In simple words: the process of learning about something or finding your way.

Examples

  • **religious/political orientation**
  • a person’s **sexual orientation** *(= whether they are attracted to men, women or both)*
  • The course is essentially theoretical in orientation.
  • Companies have been forced into a greater orientation to the market.
  • People over 55 tended to have a strong leisure orientation.
  • an orientation session/program/course
  • The orientation of the planet's orbit is changing continuously.

Usage notes

Used in various contexts, such as education to refer to introductory programs, or in navigation like getting familiar with a place. Avoid in highly casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'orient' as finding your way — like a compass pointing north.

Collocations

  • orientation session
  • new employee orientation
  • college orientation
  • cultural orientation
  • orientation program

Synonyms

  • direction
  • alignment
  • introduction
  • acclimatization
  • familiarization

Antonyms

  • disorientation
  • confusion

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'orientation' as a physical direction.
  • Using 'orientate' incorrectly; should be 'orient' in most contexts.
  • Mistakenly using 'orientation' only for physical directions, ignoring its educational use.