oriented

Everyday

1. Oriented means pointed or turned in a certain direction. tree →
2. If you oriented yourself, you worked out where you are and which way to go. tree →
3. As part of a compound, -oriented means mainly aimed at or interested in something: family-oriented, goal-oriented. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and maps it is about lining up a map with north or finding your direction. In maths, a shape oriented differently is turned or rotated. In everyday talk «family-oriented» or «child-oriented» tells who something is made for. Phrases: «oriented towards», «get oriented».

Examples

• The map is oriented with north at the top. tree →
• The house is oriented to face the sun. tree →
• We used a compass to get oriented in the forest. tree →
• This is a family-oriented restaurant. tree →
• The triangle is oriented upside down in the picture. tree →
• She is very goal-oriented and works hard. tree →
• The windows are oriented towards the sea. tree →
• The museum is oriented to children. tree →

Note

British English also uses «orientated» (same meaning). Related: orientation, orienteering (a sport of finding your way with a map). In maths a turned shape is the same shape; orientation does not change its size or area.