align

American  

[uh-lahyn] / əˈlaɪn /

Rarely aline

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.

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verb (used without object)

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

2. to join with others in a cause.

align British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• aligner noun
• realign verb
• self-aligning adjective

Etymology

Origin of align

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

Example Sentences

“Rebalancing helps prevent portfolios from becoming too concentrated, keeps risk aligned with the target and allows investors to benefit from the natural reversion of an asset class.”

From Barron's

A phenomenon known as the Russell-McPherron effect can make the Northern Lights stronger around the equinoxes, as the Earth's magnetic field is aligned with the incoming solar winds.

From BBC

“Recent developments and allegations surrounding the lead cast member led us to reassess this collaboration as it no longer aligns with our brand values,” a Cinnabon spokesperson said in a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal

There are elements in the staircase where the execution is shockingly crude, as in the loosely attached and poorly aligned metal panels capping the stair railing.

From The Wall Street Journal

China enters a quieter week, with investors focusing on industrial profit data for January and February due Friday, and whether it aligns with stronger-than-expected activity data reported earlier this month.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• adjust
• coordinate
• regulate