navigate

The word “navigate” means to plan and follow a route or course while traveling. In plain terms, to find and follow your way — whether on a journey, through a website, or through a tricky situation.

“Navigate” is pronounced NAV-ih-gayt (/ˈnæv.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ in IPA).

Here is “navigate” used in a sentence: “The captain navigated the ship through the narrow strait.”

“Navigate” is a verb.

The word “navigate” comes from Latin. From Latin navigare, "to sail a ship," from navis ("ship") plus agere ("to drive").

“Navigate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Navigate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to plan and follow a route or course while traveling.

To steer means to physically control the direction of a vehicle or vessel, while to navigate means to plan and follow the overall route or course, often using maps, instruments, or judgment. A ship's crew might steer the wheel while a navigator determines which course to follow.

Yes, in a figurative sense. When used with websites or apps, navigate means to move between pages or sections, which mirrors the way it describes following a route while traveling. Both uses share the core idea of finding your way through a structured space.

To navigate a difficult situation means to find a way through something complicated, such as a conflict, negotiation, or emotional challenge, without necessarily involving physical movement. This figurative sense extends the literal meaning of following a route to any process that requires careful handling.