align

[ 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. trusually foll bywith 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 Words From

• a·lign·er noun
• re·a·lign verb
• self-a·lign·ing 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

Tensions in the Horn of Africa would be reduced if Egypt and the UAE align their strategies.

From BBC

The shadow leader of the House of Lords argued the aim of the bill was "partisan" removing "88 peers who do not align themselves with Labour and four who do".

From BBC

The smartest thing that short-listers can do right now is demonstrate that they’ll abandon any views that don’t align with Trump’s agenda, proving their lockstep compliance with the boss.

From Slate

Since MPTF’s mission seemed to align with Measure ULA’s mission of combating L.A.’s housing crisis, Beitcher assumed the sale would be eligible for an exemption.

From Los Angeles Times

At the time, the 2021 ruling marked the first time a court had ordered a private company to align its workings with the Paris climate agreement, meaning that it was not sufficient for a company simply to comply with the law - it had to comply with global climate policy too.

From BBC

Related Words

• adjust
• coordinate
• regulate