A&O - orientated or oriented?

greenbeanio · Dec 27, 2009

Orientate was not an actual word until it became so widely (mis)used that it was adopted by the various powers-that-be.
To me, it's in the same category of butchering the English language as irregardless.

:eek: "irregardless" Ugh. :banghead: Yep, if enough ignoramuses misuse a word, even the powers that be have to acknowledge its existence. Like George Bush and his "war on terror" instead of on "terrorism".

Yeah, don't say "orientate". Please. :nono:

rn/writer, RN · Dec 27, 2009

I really dislike the use of "orientate" and am in the crowd that cringes upon hearing it. However, even though it is not well-received here in the US (and I hope that never changes), our peers in the UK and Australia and several other English-speaking countries do not consider it wrong and should not be mocked or criticized for using it in the proper context.

When speaking of a nurse who is new to a particular unit, I still don't like to hear that she is being "orientated." I'd much prefer to hear that she is going through orientation.

freefalr · Dec 28, 2009

i also cringe when i hear "orientated"...maybe eventually it will evolve to be the standard, but for me it just sounds awkward. like "we conversated" for "we conversed"...cringe-worthy. :bugeyes:

NurseKatie08, MSN · Dec 28, 2009

Oriented. While dictonaries may say "orientated" is ok, it drives me nuts when I hear others say it.

november17, ASN, RN · Dec 28, 2009

Also, orientate's description is "to orientate" as in orientating a new nurse NOT for alert and oriented patient.....

sometimes i wonder if some of the nurses i work with are oriented

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2009

Oriented.

rubystar · Dec 28, 2009

I use oriented. Orientated to me is showing somebody where they can go make a cup of tea.

allnurses Guide · Dec 28, 2009

Orientate was not an actual word until it became so widely (mis)used that it was adopted by the various powers-that-be.
To me, it's in the same category of butchering the English language as irregardless.

As a Brit this post made me giggle a little

As R/N writer so beautifully posted earlier in the UK and many other countries orientated is the correct word, I have never heard oriented used here and it would sound so very very wrong to me, exactly the same way as appendectomy, no absolutely not, if I used that word in front of my consultant he would have my guts for garters, in the UK we perform an appendicectomy.

So although it's not used in your country or region does not mean that it is incorrect.

So when I orientate a new member of staff I am not butchering the English language at all, because where I live (in Britain) that is the correct term to use, however if I oriented them here I may indeed be accused of butchering the English Language.

AskOxford

Which is the correct spelling: 'oriented' or 'orientated'?

It really doesn't matter: it's a matter of personal taste. Orientated is currently preferred use in general British use. Oriented is prevalent in technical use, and in the US.

wishiwereanurse, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2009

remind me of the word 'bring'

We brung some leftovers from the holiday feast for you...

it is brought!! brought!!

Otessa, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2009

"Also, orientate's description is "to orientate" as in orientating a new nurse NOT for alert and oriented patient..... "
Please, no. Just use the word "orient." It is the technically correct verb.

Looked up several reputable areas and both are actually correct, technically. If they are used properly.

sailornurse · Dec 28, 2009

Orientate was not an actual word until it became so widely (mis)used that it was adopted by the various powers-that-be.
To me, it's in the same category of butchering the English language as irregardless.

To orientate is the description & correct word when one is learning how to use a compass & is called "orientation."

It is also used as in "sexual orientation."

It is the problem of knowing when it is an adjective and when it is a verb.

Similar issues with nauseous & nauseated. Both are English words, just not used appropriately in many cases.

freefalr · Dec 29, 2009

"...so when i orientate a new member of staff i am not butchering the english language at all, because where i live (in britain) that is the correct term to use, however if i oriented them here i may indeed be accused of butchering the english language."

sharrie, i could listen to british-accented folks say anything, all day. & it's my favorite accent to try to imitate on stage...last did it for "noises off!"

no matter what is said, if it's said in a british accent, to me it always sounds very, very correct!!