align
put things in a straight line
To put things in a straight line or in the right position next to each other.
to align [something] (with [something])
- She carefully aligned the frames so that their tops were perfectly level.
- Make sure the holes in both pieces of wood are aligned before you drill.
- The dentist asked him to align his teeth by biting down slowly.
- The mechanic aligned the wheels to stop the car pulling to one side.
- Align the camera with the center of the stage before you start recording.
- He aligned the books on the shelf.
- Please align the chairs in one straight line.
- The two roads align for a short distance.
- She aligned the paper with the edge of the table.
- Align the door with the frame so it can close.
make plans or ideas consistent
To change plans, rules, or ideas so they match or support each other well.
to align [something] with [something]
- The company is aligning its marketing strategy with its long-term sustainability goals.
- New regulations aim to align national law with international standards.
- Teachers are working to align their lesson plans with the updated curriculum.
- We need to align our budget with our actual priorities.
- The project failed because the team’s expectations were not aligned with the client’s needs.
- The manager wants to align the team goals with the company plan.
- The new rule does not align with our values.
- We must align our work with the deadline.
- The two reports do not align with each other.
- The school is trying to align classes with student needs.
choose to support a side
To choose to support or agree with a group, person, or idea, often in politics or serious issues.
to align (yourself) with [someone/something]
- Several smaller parties chose to align themselves with the ruling coalition.
- The newspaper openly aligned itself with the reform movement.
- During the war, many countries aligned with one of the two superpowers.
- She refused to align with either side in the dispute.
- The organization aligns itself with progressive social causes.
- The new leader aligned himself with the younger members.
- Many voters align with that political party.
- She does not want to align with any group.
- Some countries align with the stronger power.
- The company tries to align with green ideas.
set text or objects to a margin
In a computer program, to move text or objects so their edges are in a straight line with a side or a guide.
to align [text/objects] (left/right/center)
- Click this button to align the text to the left margin.
- The designer aligned all the icons to the same vertical guide.
- Make sure the table headings are aligned with the columns below.
- You can align multiple shapes by selecting them and using the toolbar.
- The caption isn’t aligned with the image and looks unprofessional.
- Please align the title in the center.
- In this program, you can align text left or right.
- He aligned the numbers in one straight column.
- The logo is not aligned with the menu.
- She aligned all the boxes to the top line.
adjust machine parts correctly
To move parts in a machine or device into the right position so it works well.
to align [part/system] (with [part/system])
- The technician aligned the printer heads to improve the print quality.
- If the wheels are not aligned, the tires will wear out unevenly.
- The engineer spent the afternoon aligning the laser with the sensor.
- You should align the steering system after replacing major suspension parts.
- The microscope must be carefully aligned before use.
- The garage aligned the wheels of my car.
- He aligned the laser with the target.
- The machine does not work because the parts are not aligned.
- The company sent a worker to align the new sensors.
- You must align the printer before you use it.
- Base: align
- 3rd Person Singular: aligns
- Present Participle: aligning
- Past: aligned
align left
1set text to the left margin
In a computer program, to move text so its left side is in a straight line with the left edge of the page or window.
- Most documents are easier to read if you align text left.
- Click this icon to align the paragraph left.
- By default, the software will align left any new text you type.
align with
1be in agreement with
To be in the same position, idea, or direction as something, or to agree with it.
- Our proposal aligns with the latest industry standards.
- His views do not align with the company’s culture.
- The new policy aligns with international guidelines on data protection.
align yourself with
1choose to support a side
To openly show that you support and agree with a person, group, or idea.
- Young activists are increasingly aligning themselves with climate movements.
- She decided to align herself with the reformers in the organization.
- Brands often try to align themselves with popular social causes.