Assume, we have teacup (with handle) on the table. Then we rotate the cup so that its handle is now pointing to other direction, but the cup itself remains in the same place. Can we say in this case that the teacup's position is changed? Can we say that the teacup's location is changed?
I.e.:
- What word/term can we use to refer the teacup's placement irrespectively to its orientation?
- What word/term can we use to refer both the teacup's placement and orientation?
Do location and position usually mean the 1st thing or the 2nd thing?
The older wording of the same question
Let's suppose, I have set of objects on plane. Every object is characterized by two coordinates (X and Y) and its rotation angle (i.e. where the object's head is directed to).
I want to pick up proper terms for:
1. Point where object is located (i.e. object's X and Y).
2. Point where object is located together with its rotation angle (i.e. object's X, Y and angle).
Is it correct to refer {X, Y} as object's location, and {X, Y, angle} as object's position?
Or, maybe, location=position is {X, Y} only? So then what term can I use for {X, Y, angle}: state, extended position/location?
Or, maybe, it's better to refer {X, Y} as coordinates and {X, Y, angle} as location=position?
Best Answer
Location definitely doesn't include orientation, but position could, but doesn't always.
Location always refers to a place, and can sometimes be used more specifically to where you are inside a place, but no more. Position usually starts with layout, like stretching or yoga positions for one person, or your position on a team for multiple people. That type of position refers to your place as part of a team, and can also be used for the role you play or your job title in an office. Finally, position can be used in the same sense as location, where you are within a place.
Position could include orientation for both the one person meaning and the location within a place, but it can't be assumed that it does. Really, you should just use orientation as well when you need to be specific about including that.