This is true: orientate does effectively function as a synonym of orient (“to face or turn to the east” or “to direct something toward the interests of a particular group”), and it does take slightly longer to say and write.

Which is correct orient or orientate?

Strictly speaking, then, to orient/orientate yourself means to align yourself to the east, although the verb now has the general sense of “to position yourself”. In the UK, it is more common for people to say “orientate” whereas in the US, “orient” is more common.

How do you use the word orientate?

Examples of orientate in a Sentence

a program that helps to orientate new students She needs to orientate herself to her new job.