Retning

Retning is a noun used in Norwegian and Danish to denote the line or path toward which something points or moves: direction or orientation. The term can describe physical orientation, such as the direction a vehicle is traveling, the bearing of an object, or the alignment of a structure. It can also refer to more abstract courses, such as a plan of action or a trend in events or data.

In science and engineering, retning is used to specify the direction of a vector or a force, often described by an angle, a unit vector, or a coordinate frame. In navigation and mapping, it relates to heading or bearing—the direction relative to north. In architecture or construction, retning helps define the alignment and orientation of features within a design.

In statistics and everyday language, retning describes the direction of change: increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable; it is used to discuss trends over time or the overall trajectory of a phenomenon. The concept can be applied to physical systems, economic indicators, or social phenomena to summarize how they evolve.

In cultural and political discourse, retning can refer to the orientation or tendency of policies, ideas, or movements. Describing a retning toward reform, conservatism, or another axis provides a concise way to convey long-term tendencies without specifying exact outcomes.