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

Ultimately, financial markets depend on confidence in data, in policy, and in how the two align.

Read more on MarketWatch

President Ahmed al-Sharaa was once aligned with Islamic State before switching allegiances to Al-Qaeda, then ultimately swore off extremism as he and his forces fought to control Syria.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Alexander said the chosen plan had to meet four key tests: boosting economic growth, complying with air quality and noise standards, and aligning with climate change laws, including net zero targets.

Read more on BBC

He said "the stars in the sky" then aligned, as the following night, he was on the red carpet for the screening of Is This Thing On? at the 69th BFI London Film Festival.

Read more on BBC

They said that, under Mr Polanski, they recognise the Green Party's "bold politics" as being "most aligned with what we stand for".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• adjust 
• coordinate 
• regulate