align

Rarely a·line

[uh-lahyn]

verb (used with object)

1. to arrange in a straight line; adjust according to a line.

   Synonyms: straighten

2. to bring into a line or alignment.

   Synonyms: straighten

3. to bring into cooperation or agreement with a particular group, party, cause, etc..

   He aligned himself with the liberals.

4. to adjust (two or more components of an electronic circuit) to improve the response over a frequency band, as to align the tuned circuits of a radio receiver for proper tracking throughout its frequency range, or a television receiver for appropriate wide-band responses.

verb (used without object)

1. to fall or come into line; be in line.

2. to join with others in a cause.

align

/ əˈlaɪn /

verb

1. to place or become placed in a line

2. to bring (components or parts, such as the wheels of a car) into proper or desirable coordination or relation

3. to bring (a person, country, etc) into agreement or cooperation with the policy, etc of another person or group

4. (tr) psychol to integrate or harmonize the aims, practices, etc of a group

5. (usually foll by with) psychol to identify with or match the behaviour, thoughts, etc of another person

Other Word Forms

• aligner noun
• realign verb
• self-aligning adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of align¹

First recorded in 1685–95; from French aligner, equivalent to a- “toward” + ligner, from Latin līneāre, derivative of līnea “line”; a- ⁵, line ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of align¹

C17: from Old French aligner, from à ligne into line

Example Sentences

“Through participation in the UN, we can more closely align this organization with American interests. If we exit, we will allow China to take over completely.”

From Salon

And Justice Amy Coney Barrett has emerged as something of a wild card, aligning with the liberal wing in a handful of cases.

From Salon

The Israeli military said it struck two Hamas fighters and that the number of casualties did not align with its own information.

From BBC

Chastain voiced her opposition to the postponement Wednesday on Instagram, writing that she and Apple were “not aligned on the decision to pause the release of The Savant.”

From Los Angeles Times

While Carr did not explicitly cite Project 2025 when pressuring ABC affiliates, many of his actions aligned directly with the strategies and powers he outlined in that playbook.

From Salon

Related Words

• adjust 
• coordinate 
• regulate