child-oriented
|child-or-i-ent-ed|
🇺🇸
/ˈtʃaɪldˌɔriəntɪd/
🇬🇧
/ˈtʃaɪldˌɔːriəntɪd/
aimed at children
Etymology
'child-oriented' is a compound of 'child' and 'oriented.' 'Child' originates from Old English 'cild' meaning 'young offspring,' and 'oriented' comes from French 'orienter' (via Late Latin), where 'oriens' meant 'rising (east)'.
'orient' entered English via Old French 'orienter' and Latin 'oriri'/'oriens' (to rise); the sense of 'orient' broadened from 'face east' to 'position or direct toward' and produced the past participle 'oriented.' Combined with 'child' in modern English to form 'child-oriented.'
Initially 'orient' related to the east or rising; over time it evolved to mean 'to position or direct toward a goal or target.' Consequently, 'oriented' came to mean 'aimed at' or 'directed toward,' and 'child-oriented' now means 'aimed at children.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
designed, intended, or suitable for children; made to appeal to or meet the needs of children.
The museum introduced a child-oriented exhibit with hands-on activities.
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Adjective 2
focused on the needs or interests of children (e.g., policies, services, environments designed for children's welfare or development).
The new park is child-oriented, with low benches and safe play areas.
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Last updated: 2026/01/06 01:05