orient

[ noun adjective awr-ee-uhnt, ‑ee-ent, ohr-; verb awr-ee-ent, ohr‑ ]

noun

1. Older Use. the Orient,
   1. the countries of Asia, especially East Asia.
   2. (formerly) the countries to the east of the Mediterranean.
2. Jewelry.
   1. an orient pearl.
   2. the iridescence of a pearl.
3. the east; the eastern region of the heavens or the world.

verb (used with object)

1. to adjust with relation to, or bring into due relation to surroundings, circumstances, facts, etc.
2. to familiarize (a person) with new surroundings or circumstances, or the like:

   lectures designed to orient the new students.

   Synonyms: relate, accustom

3. to place in any definite position with reference to the points of the compass or other locations:

   to orient a building north and south.

4. to direct or position toward a particular object:

   Orient it toward that house.

5. to determine the position of in relation to the points of the compass; get the bearings of.
6. to place so as to face the east, especially to build (a church) with the chief altar to the east and the chief entrance to the west.
7. Surveying. to set (the horizontal circle of a surveying instrument) so that readings give correct azimuths.
8. Mathematics. to assign to (a surface) a constant, outward direction at each point.

verb (used without object)

1. to turn toward the east or in any specified direction.

adjective

1. (of a gem or pearl) exceptionally fine and lustrous; oriental.
2. Archaic. rising or appearing, especially as from below the horizon:

   the orient sun.

Orient

¹

/ ˈɔːrɪənt /

noun

1. the countries east of the Mediterranean
2. the eastern hemisphere

orient

²

noun

1. poetic.
   another word for east Compare occident
2. archaic.
   the eastern sky or the dawn
3. 1. the iridescent lustre of a pearl
   2. ( as modifier )

      orient pearls

4. a pearl of high quality

adjective

1. poetic.
   eastern
2. archaic.
   (of the sun, stars, etc) rising

verb

1. to adjust or align (oneself or something else) according to surroundings or circumstances
2. tr to position, align, or set (a map, surveying instrument, etc) with reference to the points of the compass or other specific directions
3. tr to set or build (a church) in an easterly direction

Other Words From

• ori·enter noun
• self-ori·ented adjective
• well-ori·ented adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of orient¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin orient- (stem of oriēns ) “the east, sunrise,” noun use of present participle of orīrī “to rise”; -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of orient¹

C18: via French from Latin oriēns rising (sun), from orīrī to rise

Example Sentences

He is part of the membership team at Fountain House Hollywood that gives tours, orients new members and writes a regular newsletter, among other duties.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe you need some more landmarks to help you get oriented.

From Los Angeles Times

The moral and intellectual gymnastics that liberal pastors say define the convictions of right-wing Christians have only hardened with emerging models of worship that orient its congregants in a more consumerist, less politically reflective direction.

From Salon

"He is very well orientated and is enjoying an all-you-can-eat buffet, and will be released soon."

From BBC

I also think this generation is just really oriented to justice and equality.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adapt
• adjust
• align
• conform