navigate

Word relationships

• steer: Steer refers to the physical act of controlling the vehicle; navigate refers to the planning and direction.
• pilot: Pilot specifically refers to navigating a ship or aircraft.

• get lost: To lose one's way.

Commonly confused with

• circumnavigate: To circumnavigate is to sail or travel all the way around something.

Word family

• navigation (noun): The process or activity of accurately ascertaining one's position and planning and following a route.
• navigator (noun): A person who navigates.

Collocations

• navigate a route
• navigate by the stars
• navigate difficult waters
• expertly navigate

Example sentences

• "We had to navigate through the dense fog using only a compass." Wilderness survival.
• "The app helps users navigate the complex subway system of Tokyo." Modern technology.

Memory hook

Navigate: Use a NAV-igator to find your GATE. Navis = Ship.

When not to use

Don't use it for just 'walking' if there is no element of choosing a path or following a map.

Fun facts

• Before GPS, sailors used a sextant to navigate by measuring the angle between a celestial object and the horizon.

Related words

traverse, terrain

Explore more words

maneuver, traverse, negotiate, survey, orchestrate, orientation

Also appears in

• Travel & Culture → Navigation & Cartography
• Travel & Culture → Exploration & Discoveries
• Hobbies, Crafts & Leisure → Outdoor Recreation & Camping