alignment

Also a·line·ment

[uh-lahyn-muhnt]

noun

1. an adjustment to a line; arrangement in a straight line.

2. the line or lines so formed.

3. the proper adjustment of the components of an electronic circuit, machine, etc., for coordinated functioning.

   The front wheels of the car are out of alignment.

4. a state of agreement or cooperation among persons, groups, nations, etc., with a common cause or viewpoint.

5. a ground plan of a railroad or highway.

6. Archaeology.,  a line or an arrangement of parallel or converging lines of upright stones or menhirs.

alignment

/ əˈlaɪnmənt /

noun

1. arrangement in a straight line

2. the line or lines formed in this manner

3. alliance or union with a party, cause, etc

4. proper or desirable coordination or relation of components

5. a ground plan of a railway, motor road, etc

6. archaeol an arrangement of one or more ancient rows of standing stones, of uncertain significance

7. psychol integration or harmonization of aims, practices, etc within a group

8. psychol identification with or matching of the behaviour, thoughts, etc of another person

Other Word Forms

• nonalinement noun
• realignment noun
• self-alignment noun
• self-alinement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of alignment¹

First recorded in 1780–90; align + -ment; replacing earlier alignement, from French

Example Sentences

He reshuffled diplomatic alignments to buy time, giving the U.S. a stronger position by the following decade.

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New economic and political partnerships are being sought and formed, and a new alignment of nations is slowly emerging.

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“I feel like I had my suffering moments,” Hit says, in alignment with Townsend’s Matthews.

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"They know we are a true ally," Milei said, referring to Argentina's alignment with US and Israeli interests.

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But now he’s even more determined to establish what he calls “alignment” with new clients from the get-go.

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Related Words

• adjustment