Definition of 'alignment'

Word Frequency

alignment

(əlaɪnmənt )

Word forms: plural alignments

1. variable noun

An alignment is support for a particular group, especially in politics, or for a side in a quarrel or struggle.

The church should have no political alignment.

But the Centre Right's alignment with the Vatican could backfire.

2. uncountable noun

The alignment of something is its position in relation to something else or to its correct position.

...the alignment of mirrors in the telescope. [+ of]

More Synonyms of alignment

Word Frequency

alignment in British

(əˈlaɪnmənt )

noun

arrangement in a straight line

the line or lines formed in this manner

alliance or union with a party, cause, etc

proper or desirable coordination or relation of components

a ground plan of a railway, motor road, etc

6. archaeology

an arrangement of one or more ancient rows of standing stones, of uncertain significance

7. psychology

integration or harmonization of aims, practices, etc within a group

8. psychology

identification with or matching of the behaviour, thoughts, etc of another person

Word Frequency

alignment in American

(əˈlaɪnmənt ; əlīnˈmənt)

noun

an aligning or being aligned

; esp.,

arrangement in a straight line

a condition of close cooperation

a new alignment of European nations

a line or lines formed by aligning

3. Engineering

a ground plan, as of a fieldwork, railroad, etc.

Example sentences containing 'alignment'

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Brain transplants aren't available, so we have to bring the body into alignment with the brain. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The stripes act as visual cues for proper alignment. Times, Sunday Times (2009)One that requires superb teamwork if all its elements are to be kept in perfect alignment. Times, Sunday Times (2009)It may be that the garage did not correct the wheel alignment at all. Times, Sunday Times (2012) Wheel alignment can easily be knocked out of true by potholes. Times, Sunday Times (2012)My garage checked the wheel alignment and said it was fine. Times, Sunday Times (2014)But that will count for little if the alignment of alliances around the conference table is not perfect. Times, Sunday Times (2010)The correct way to do this is to put the steering wheel straight and then adjust the wheel alignment. Times, Sunday Times (2012)Both of these problems were caused by poor alignment of the pipes when the property was built about eight years ago. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Why is correct alignment so difficult? Lewis, Beverly Winning Golf for Women (1993)This helps to lengthen the spine, which releases muscles and joints to improve body alignment. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Like your political alignment or religion, being green is a reflection of who you are. Times, Sunday Times (2010)A major challenge was to correct the alignment of the middle steam cylinder. Times, Sunday Times (2016)They understood friction because they saw the brake disc rubbing when they didn't get the wheel alignment right. Times, Sunday Times (2014)After practising with incorrect technique had caused him great pain, he focused on correct alignment and strict breath control. Times, Sunday Times (2014)The harvest moon and carpet of stars made it seem like a perfect alignment of the planets: absurdly good fun. Times, Sunday Times (2016)He says: 'The region currently benefits from a perfect alignment of the domestic and world economy. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Any sign that she's not the top of the class in ballet and she's sent to the sports physio to correct her knee alignment. The Sun (2011)