Orientate

Origin

From orient + -ate, perhaps after orientation.

Full definition of orientate

Verb

1. (UK, intransitive) To face (a given direction).
2. (UK, reflexive) To determine one's position relative to the surroundings; to orient (oneself).
• John le CarréHe…stood for a moment, orientating himself exactly in the light of his knowledge.
3. He came out of the station and took some time to orientate himself.
4. To arrange in order; to dispose or place (a body) so as to show its relation to other bodies, or the relation of its parts among themselves.
• E. S. DanaA crystal is orientated when placed in its proper position so as to exhibit its symmetry.
5. (UK, transitive) To position (something), to align relative to a given position.Try to orientate your students towards the science subjects.
6. (archaic) To move or turn toward the east; to veer from the north or south toward the east.

Usage notes

Generally considered an error in American English.

orientate, in Common Errors in English Usage, by Paul Brians Compare developmentation.

Synonyms

• to orient