riktning

Riktning is a Swedish noun that denotes direction, orientation, or tendency. It is used for physical bearings and headings, such as the direction a person or object is facing, or the angle of a line in geometry and physics. It can also describe the orientation or alignment of a map, camera, building, or other objects.

In a geographical or navigational sense, riktning refers to cardinal directions or any designated bearing relative to a reference frame. It is common in discussions of travel, navigation, and map reading to specify a direction, such as northward or toward a particular riktpunkt (reference point).

Figuratively, riktning also means a trend or orientation in data, development, policy, or public opinion. For example, statements about the riktning of the economy describe its general course, while policy debates may focus on the riktning of future governance.

In education, the related term inriktning denotes a specialization or focus within a program or curriculum, such as a specific track or field of study. While related in meaning, inriktning is more about intended concentration rather than a physical direction.

In technical contexts, riktning is used to specify where something is pointing or moving, including directions of movement in mechanics, the orientation of vectors in mathematics, or the heading in navigation systems.

Etymology: riktning is formed from the stem rikt- with the suffix -ning. It has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, such as Danish and Norwegian retning, which also mean direction.