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navigate

/ˌnævəˈgeɪt/

/ˈnævɪgeɪt/

Other forms: navigating; navigated; navigates

To navigate is to determine a path or course. If you volunteer to navigate on your family’s road trip to Alaska, be sure you’re the type who’s willing to stop and ask for directions.

Navigate, like “navy” and “naval,” comes from the Latin word navis meaning “ship.” Without the luxury of modern technology, ancient sailors had to be excellent navigators; they often relied on the stars to chart their course. (We don’t recommend that you try this method of navigation with your family in the car.)

Definitions of navigate
  1. verb
    direct carefully and safely
    “He navigated his way to the altar”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    channelise, channelize, direct, guide, head, maneuver, manoeuver, manoeuvre, point, steer
    direct the course; determine the direction of travelling
  2. verb
    act as the navigator in a car, plane, or vessel and plan, direct, plot the path and position of the conveyance
    “Is anyone volunteering to navigate during the trip?”
    “Who was navigating the ship during the accident?”
    synonyms: pilot
    see moresee less
    types:
    astrogate
    guide in interplanetary travel
    type of:
    channelise, channelize, direct, guide, head, maneuver, manoeuver, manoeuvre, point, steer
    direct the course; determine the direction of travelling
  3. verb
    travel on water propelled by wind or by other means
    synonyms: sail, voyage
    see moresee less
    types:
    astrogate
    navigate in space
    cruise
    sail or travel about for pleasure, relaxation, or sightseeing
    type of:
    journey, travel
    undertake a journey or trip
  4. verb
    (computing) move around a website, system, or file
Pronunciation
US

/ˌnævəˈgeɪt/

UK

/ˈnævɪgeɪt/

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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘navigate'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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