orient
5 synonyms and 1 antonym for orient, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To figure out your position or direction, or to position something to face a certain way.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
orientate
eastern hemisphere
Antonyms
How to use orient
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
orient yourself
orient toward
newly oriented employees
Etymology
From Latin oriens, "rising" — the present participle of orior, "to rise" — since the sun rises in the east, "orient" came to mean both "east" and, as a verb, "to figure out which way you're facing."
Full origin of orient →Frequently asked questions
What does “orient” mean?
The word “orient” means to figure out your position or direction, or to position something to face a certain way. In plain terms, to find your bearings or position something/someone correctly — literally (compass directions) or figuratively (getting used to a new situation).
How do you pronounce “orient”?
“Orient” is pronounced AW-rih-uhnt (/ˈɔɹ.i.ənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “orient” in a sentence?
Here is “orient” used in a sentence: “She used the stars to orient herself in the dark forest.”
What part of speech is “orient”?
Depending on how it is used, “orient” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “orient” come from?
The word “orient” comes from Latin. From Latin oriens, "rising" — the present participle of orior, "to rise" — since the sun rises in the east, "orient" came to mean both "east" and, as a verb, "to figure out which way you're facing.".
Is “orient” a common word?
“Orient” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “orient” have?
“Orient” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to figure out your position or direction, or to position something to face a certain way.
