orientation English · revision 10343

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1832|origins=en orient}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˌɔː.ɹi.ənˈteɪ.ʃən/, /ˌoɹiɛnˈteɪʃən/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a noun of action from the verb [[orient]],^(Etymonline)^(NODE 1998)^(SOED 2002) with the suffix [[-ation]].^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ The arrangement of an object, especially a church, to face east or another direction: 1832 in Etymonline, 1839 in the OED and Merriam-Webster.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Turning to face the east in worship is from 1875.^(OED 1989) Determining the points of the compass, or one's position, is attested by 1868,^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) hence the extended sense of determining one's mental bearings, with reference to new ideas, from 1870.^(Etymonline) The position of something relative to other things is from 1875.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) An introduction to a new situation, as an ''orientation course'', is from 1942.^(Etymonline) A general tendency of thought, and ''sexual orientation'', are later senses.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1832 – facing east.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1868 – finding one's bearings.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1870 – mental bearings.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1875 – relative position.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1942 – an introduction to a situation.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # Position or direction relative to the points of the compass or to something else.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Adjustment or adaptation to a new environment or situation.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(chiefly US, Canada)'' An introductory programme for newcomers.^(Collins 2023)

+ # A general tendency of thought or inclination, such as sexual orientation.^(AHD)

+ # The construction of a church with its main altar at the east end.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[orientational]]

+ * [[orientationally]]

+ * [[orientative]]

+ * [[reorientation]]

+ * [[sexual orientation]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[nonorientable]]

+ * [[orient]]

+ * [[orientalism]]

+ * [[orientate]]

+ * [[orienteer]]

+ * [[oriental]]

+ * [[origin]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}