orient
UK: ˈɔː.ri.ənt | US: ˈɔːr.i.ənt
n. 1. The East; regions or countries lying to the east of a reference point.
vt. 2. To align or position something relative to the points of a compass or other reference.
vt. 3. To familiarize or adapt someone with a new situation or environment.
orient = ori<rise> + ent<noun/adjective suffix>
- ori (from Latin oriri, meaning "to rise," referring to the rising sun in the east).
- ent (a suffix forming nouns/adjectives, often indicating state or quality).
Etymology Origin:
The word "orient" traces back to Latin oriens ("rising," from oriri), originally describing the direction of the sunrise (east). Over time, it expanded to denote eastern regions (e.g., "the Orient") and later evolved into a verb meaning "to align directionally" or "to adapt to surroundings"—metaphorically linking physical alignment with mental adjustment.
The ancient trade routes connected Europe to the Orient.
She used a compass to orient the map northward.
New employees attend a workshop to orient themselves to company policies.
The building is oriented to maximize sunlight in winter.
His research focuses on cultural exchanges between the Occident and the Orient.