navigation
gb/nˌævəɡˈeɪʃən/ us/nˌævəɡˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 1400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
Planning and directing movement
The act of finding and following a path to get to a place.
Usage pattern:
navigation of/through [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'navigation' with 'navigator' — 'navigation' is the process, while 'navigator' is the person doing it.
Synonyms
route-finding (More informal and specific to finding paths, often without technical equipment.)
|
guidance (More general, can apply to non-physical directions as well.)
Antonyms
misdirection (The act of giving wrong or misleading directions.)
Collocations
satellite navigation
|maritime navigation
|navigation system
|aids to navigation
|navigation skills
Themes
travel
|transportation
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Modern cars often come with built-in navigation systems.
- Navigation at sea requires knowledge of charts and weather.
- The pilot relied on GPS navigation during the night flight.
- Good navigation skills are essential for hiking in unfamiliar areas.
Learner examples
- I use my phone for navigation when I drive.
- Navigation is important when you travel in a new city.
- The ship's navigation was difficult in the fog.
- We learned about map navigation in class.
Noun
technical
B1
action
2
Moving through computer systems
The way you move from one part of a website or app to another.
Usage pattern:
navigation through [a system/website]
Common mistake:
Some learners think 'navigation' in computing is only about search; it also includes menus and structure.
Synonyms
browsing (Informal and less precise, often used for casual movement through web pages.)
|
interface control (More formal and technical, focuses on the design aspect.)
Antonyms
confusing layout (A design that makes moving through a website or app difficult.)
Collocations
website navigation
|easy navigation
|navigation menu
|navigation bar
Themes
technology
|computing
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The app's navigation is simple and intuitive.
- Poor navigation can frustrate users and make them leave a site.
- We redesigned the navigation to improve user experience.
Learner examples
- The website has clear navigation.
- Navigation in this app is easy to learn.
- I like the new navigation menu on the site.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
Science of plotting courses
The skill of planning and following a path for ships or planes using maps and tools.
Synonyms
pilotage (More specific to guiding ships into ports using landmarks.)
Collocations
celestial navigation
|aerial navigation
|navigation charts
Themes
science
|transportation
|travel
Examples
- Celestial navigation uses the stars to find position at sea.
- Navigation by compass was vital before GPS technology.
- Aviation schools teach both flight skills and navigation.
Learner examples
- Old ships used the stars for navigation.
- Navigation is important for pilots.
- Sailors learn about navigation charts.
Grammar
Dictionary form
navigation
IPA
GB/nˌævəɡˈeɪʃən/
US/nˌævəɡˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
nav - ig - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: navigation
- Plural: navigation
Word family
Expressions
aid to navigation
1/ˈeɪd tə nˌævəɡˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
Object that helps with travel guidance
Something like a light or sign that helps ships or planes know where to go.
Examples
- The lighthouse serves as an important aid to navigation.
- Buoys are common aids to navigation in busy harbors.
easy navigation
1/ˈizi nˌævəɡˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Simple movement in UI design
When it is simple to move around in an app or website.
Examples
- The app offers easy navigation for beginners.
- Good design means easy navigation for all users.
satellite navigation
1/sˈætəlˌaɪt nˌævəɡˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
navigation using satellites
A system that uses satellites to find where you are and help you get to another place.
Examples
- Modern cars often come with built-in satellite navigation.
- We used satellite navigation to find the hotel.
satellite navigation
2/sˈætəlˌaɪt nˌævəɡˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
GPS-based location guidance
Finding your position and direction using satellites in space.
Examples
- Satellite navigation helps drivers find the fastest route.
- Modern aircraft rely heavily on satellite navigation systems.