Aligned
/əˈlaɪnd/
Definitions
2 meaningsIn straight line; in agreement or conformity.
/əˈlaɪnd/
In agreement or conformity; arranged in a straight line.
The planets were aligned.
💡 Simply: In a straight line; matching up.
More Examples
Their goals were aligned.
How It's Used
"The points were perfectly aligned."
"The engine components need to be precisely aligned for optimal performance."
To bring into line or agreement; to adjust or match.
/əˈlaɪn/
To bring into line or agreement.
He aligned himself with the opposition.
💡 Simply: To make things match or agree.
More Examples
We aligned our schedules.
How It's Used
"The company aligned its strategy with market trends."
"The two countries aligned their foreign policies."
From Middle English *alined, from Old French *aligne, from Latin *ad- ('to') + *linea ('line'). Meaning 'arranged in a straight line' evolved to include metaphorical alignments.
Historically, 'aligned' was primarily used in a literal sense, relating to military formations or astronomical objects. Its metaphorical usage expanded significantly in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Imagine objects lined up neatly, like soldiers in formation.