What does "oriented" mean?

1. (focused on a goal) having a specific interest or goal as your main focus. 2. (physically positioned) placed or pointed in a particular direction. 3. (to find your way) to find your position or get used to a new situation.

How do you use "oriented"?

Often used in the reflexive form 'to orient oneself'.

oriented

adj. · v.

US //ˈɔɹiˌɛntəd// UK //ˈɔːɹiəntɪd// ori·ent·ed

1 focused on a goal (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

having a specific interest or goal as your main focus.

having a particular focus, interest, or guiding principle; frequently used in compound adjectives.

Example

The company is very profit-oriented and cares mostly about making money.

Example

The university's new curriculum is career-oriented, designed specifically to equip students with the practical skills required by modern industry.
2 physically positioned (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

placed or pointed in a particular direction.

positioned or aligned in a specific direction relative to the points of a compass or other landmarks.

Example

The solar panels are oriented toward the south to catch the most sun.

Example

The ancient temple was precisely oriented toward the rising sun on the day of the summer solstice.
- disoriented

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3 to find your way (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to find your position or get used to a new situation.

to familiarise oneself with new surroundings or circumstances; to determine one's position.

Example

It took me a few days to orient myself in the large city.

Example

New employees are given a week to orient themselves with the company's internal software and reporting structures.

Usage

Often used in the reflexive form 'to orient oneself'.
- confuse
- disorient