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align

v.
US //əˈɫaɪn// UK //ɐlˈaɪn// align
  1. 1 to put in a line (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to put things in a straight line or to make them level with each other.

    to arrange components or objects into a straight line or to bring them into a correct relative position.

    Example

    Make sure you align the edges of the paper before you staple them together.

    Example

    The mechanic spent nearly an hour trying to align the wheels perfectly to prevent the car from pulling to the left.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'with'.
  2. 2 to match ideas or goals (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    to change something so that it matches or works well with another thing.

    to organise or adjust different elements so they are consistent or work together effectively.

    Example

    The school needs to align its lessons with the new national exams.

    Example

    The department head worked closely with the board to align the company's long-term strategy with its current financial capabilities.
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  1. 3 to support a group (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to publicly support a person, a political group, or a country because you share their ideas.

    to identify with or support the interests of a particular group, party, or ideology.

    Example

    The small country decided to align itself with its stronger neighbours for protection.

    Example

    During the conflict, several neutral nations chose to align themselves with the international coalition to ensure regional stability.

    Usage

    Frequently used as a reflexive verb ('align oneself with').
  2. 4 computing/data (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    to arrange data or code in a specific way so a computer can read it quickly.

    to store data in memory at addresses that are multiples of a specific word size to optimise processing speed.

    Example

    The software will automatically align the text blocks within the grid.

    Example

    The compiler must align the data structures to the processor's cache lines to avoid significant performance penalties during execution.
Origin

From Middle English alynen, alinen (“copulate”), from Middle French aligner, from Old French alignier, from a- + lignier, from Latin lineare (“make straight or perpendicular”), from the noun linea (“line”), from līneus (“flaxen; flaxen [thing]”), from līnum (“flax”), likely ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *līnom (compare linen).

Idioms1 entry

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