orientated (2009-11-04)

Part of Speech: verb

Pronunciation: [ôr'ē-ĕn-tāt'′ed]

Definition: 1) To place facing east or to point east; 2) determine the position of something with reference to the east; 3) orient; 4) figuratively to determine one's true position.

Usage: We mostly use the words oriented and orientated interchangeably. You'll find many arguments for and against both words. Both verbs also mean to adjust to new surroundings or circumstances. When speaking or writing technically we talk about being oriented as in object-oriented programming while when speaking casually we can use orientated or oriented. Preference dictates usage although using either word may get you quizzical looks depending on your audience.

Suggested Usage: Last week we had another word (irregardless) that stirs almost as much controvery as orientated. It is suggested that "orientated" is used more by the British while "oriented" is used more by Americans, and more specifically in technical works.

Etymology: Orientated comes from the English "orient" + -ate + -ed. Orient is French from Latin oriens, genitive orient(is) meaning "rising", which is the present participle of orior which means "to rise". The suffix -ate is from Latin and when used with a verb takes the meaning to act in the specified manner. Oriented is the older version of the word showing up around the 18th century while orientated came into use around the 19th century. Orientate is considered by many a back formation of the word orientation.