Pronunciation

/ˌnævɪˈɡeɪʃən/

Definitions

• Noun: The process or activity of accurately ascertaining one’s position and planning and following a route, especially through an area that is not familiar or where navigation is difficult, typically using tools such as maps, compasses, GPS, or radar. For example: “The captain was responsible for navigation during the long sea voyage.”

  • In a broader sense, it can also refer to the act of directing the course of a vehicle, aircraft, spacecraft, or ship. Example: “The pilot’s skillful navigation ensured a smooth landing.”

• Adjective: Relating to the practice or science of navigating or the equipment used in navigation. Example: “A navigation system in modern cars helps drivers find their destination.”

Phrases

• “Navigation system”: A suite of electronic equipment designed to assist in navigation, often found in vehicles or on ships.
• “Dead reckoning navigation”: A method of calculating one’s current position by estimating speed and direction traveled from a known past location.
• “Celestial navigation”: Navigation using observations of celestial bodies like the sun, moon, planets, and stars to determine position and direction.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Learning celestial navigation was essential for early mariners before the advent of GPS technology.”
• Adjective: “The new car model comes equipped with an advanced navigation system.”

Synonyms

• Direction-finding
• Orientation
• Piloting
• Course-setting
• Wayfinding
• Guidance
• Routing