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navigate

NAV-ih-gate /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/

verbB1IELTSTOEFL

GeneralTechnical

To plan and direct the course of a ship, aircraft, or other form of transport, especially by using instruments or maps.

While often used for physical travel, it also implies skillfully managing a complex situation or digital interface.

The story behind the word. The word comes from the Latin 'navis' (ship) and 'agere' (to drive). Originally, it was strictly a maritime term, but by the 16th century, it expanded to include any form of directed travel across land or sea.

Word relationships

steer: Steer refers to the physical act of turning the wheel, while navigate involves the planning and calculation.
pilot: Pilot usually refers to guiding a vehicle through a specific, often dangerous, local area like a harbor.

drift: Drift implies moving without direction or control, the opposite of navigation.

Commonly confused with

orient: To orient is to find where you are; to navigate is to decide where you are going and how to get there.

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 directs the route or course of a ship, aircraft, or other form of transport.

Collocations

navigate the globe
navigate a minefield
navigate the waters

Idioms & expressions

navigate a difficult path

Example sentences

"I must navigate the ship through the storm to reach the safety of the harbor." Maritime literature
"Users find it difficult to navigate the complex menu system of the new software." Modern technology

Memory hook

Think of a 'Navy' 'Gate'—the gate through which the Navy ships must pass to find their way. Drive the ship.

When not to use

Do not use for simple, mindless movement, like walking to the kitchen for a snack.

Fun facts

The first navigators used the stars and the flight patterns of birds to find land.