Definition of reorientation

The word "reorientation" is derived from two Latin roots: "re," meaning "again" or "back," and "orientare," meaning "to orient" or "to direct." In Middle French, "reorienter" referred to marking a course for a ship's journey by sighting on known landmarks, similar to the practice of orienting or orientating oneself. By the mid-19th century, "reorientation" had been adopted into English to describe the changing of one's viewpoint, beliefs, or priorities. It often signified a significant shift in direction or focus, whether personal or institutional, and the need to adjust and adapt to new circumstances. In psychology, "reorientation" is used to describe the process of adjusting one's understanding or perspective in response to new information or experiences. This concept has been applied to various fields, including education, business, and social work, to refer to the need to adapt to changing situations or work environments to remain effective. Overall, "reorientation" reflects the idea of returning or refocusing one's orientation, often to accommodate new challenges or to enable more effective problem solving or decision making.