align
Americanverb (used with object)
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to arrange in a straight line; adjust according to a line.
- Synonyms:
- straighten
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to bring into a line or alignment.
- Synonyms:
- straighten
-
to bring into cooperation or agreement with a particular group, party, cause, etc..
He aligned himself with the liberals.
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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)
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to fall or come into line; be in line.
-
to join with others in a cause.
verb
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to place or become placed in a line
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to bring (components or parts, such as the wheels of a car) into proper or desirable coordination or relation
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to bring (a person, country, etc) into agreement or cooperation with the policy, etc of another person or group
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(tr) psychol to integrate or harmonize the aims, practices, etc of a group
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(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
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unilateral action can be rationalized as acting because it is too cumbersome to mobilize allies whose interests do not align with one’s own.
From Salon
It has also forced a gradual change in people’s behavior to align with the government’s goal of limiting the spread of incriminating information.
She said it was "a possibility" that NMG outlets could align themselves with Kenyan and Tanzanian governments now that Aziz had bought a controlling stake.
From BBC
It moves from one stable democracy to another, governed by transparent regulations, enforceable contracts and aligned security partnerships.
“It also represents a culture of innovation and creativity that aligns well with the Afeela vision.”
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
