Orientation Meaning
Orientation Definition & Usage
The process of introducing someone to a new environment or system, usually in the context of schools, universities, workplaces, or programs.
Examples
- "New employees must attend an orientation before starting their first day on the job."
- "The university held a week-long orientation for incoming freshmen."
- "The orientation session helped the new students feel more comfortable navigating the campus."
- "Our orientation covered everything from safety protocols to campus facilities."
- "She felt more confident after attending the orientation meeting for the new program."
The act of positioning or aligning something in a specific direction, or determining its position relative to other objects or places.
Examples
- "The orientation of the building was carefully planned to maximize natural light."
- "They adjusted the orientation of the telescope to view the stars more clearly."
- "In ancient times, the orientation of temples was often aligned with celestial events."
- "He used a compass to determine the orientation of the map."
- "The orientation of the camera lens had to be perfect to capture the scenic view."
A person's inherent sexual identity, particularly their sexual preference or attraction towards others.
Examples
- "The conference provided a safe space to discuss sexual orientation and identity."
- "She openly talked about her orientation during the interview."
- "The school has a policy to support students regardless of their sexual orientation."
- "It's important to respect people's sexual orientation and avoid assumptions."
- "His orientation was not something he had openly discussed before joining the group."
Cultural Context
The term 'orientation' has broad uses across many contexts. In the educational setting, it refers to the introductory process that helps new students or employees adjust to their environment. In sexual identity, it has gained wider societal relevance, particularly in the context of LGBTQ+ rights and discussions. Its directional meaning is most frequently used in technical fields like architecture, astronomy, and navigation.
The Newcomer's First Day
Story
The Newcomer's First Day
Sarah was nervous as she walked through the campus gates on her first day at university. The towering buildings and sprawling lawns felt so unfamiliar, but she knew the orientation session would help her find her way. As she sat in the auditorium, she realized that the day was not just about learning where the library was or how to access the student portal—it was about learning to navigate this new chapter of her life. The senior students shared stories about their experiences, making her feel less like an outsider and more like part of the community. Her roommate, Anna, had been through the same orientation just a year ago. 'You'll be just fine,' Anna said, as they walked to their first class together. Sarah smiled, grateful for the guidance, and looked forward to everything the coming years would offer. By the end of the day, Sarah understood that orientation wasn't just about facts; it was about adjusting to a new environment, connecting with others, and beginning to feel at home.
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