ENGLISH
REFERENCE

orientation

n.
US //ˌɔɹiɛnˈteɪʃən// UK //ˌɔːɹiəntˈeɪʃən// ori·en·ta·tion
  1. 1 physical position (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the physical position or direction of an object compared to its surroundings.

    the relative physical position or direction of an object or person in space.

    Example

    The solar panels work best when they have a southern orientation.

    Example

    The architect adjusted the building's orientation to maximize natural light during the winter months while providing shade in the summer.

  2. 2 training or introduction (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Education

    a meeting or training session to help you start a new job or school.

    a programme or process designed to introduce individuals to a new environment, such as a workplace or university.

    Example

    All new students must attend the orientation on Monday morning.

    Example

    The human resources department organized a three-day orientation to familiarize the new hires with the company's safety protocols and corporate culture.

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  1. 3 beliefs or preferences (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    your basic goals, interests, or beliefs, such as your political or sexual orientation.

    a person's basic attitude, belief system, or preference, often used in social or psychological contexts.

    Example

    The company's new orientation is focused more on technology than sales.

    Example

    Sociologists often study how a person's religious orientation influences their voting patterns in national elections.

  2. 4 page layout (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    the way a page is turned, either tall (portrait) or wide (landscape).

    the direction in which a document is displayed or printed on a screen or paper.

    Example

    You need to change the page orientation to landscape to fit the whole table.

    Example

    The software automatically detects the device's orientation and adjusts the user interface from portrait to landscape mode.

Origin

From French orientation. By surface analysis, orient + -ation.

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