Alignment

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /əˈlaɪn.mənt/

Definitions

1. The state of being arranged in a straight line or in correct relative positions, or agreement with a particular group or set of ideas
2. The arrangement of elements in a straight line or proper relation, often aimed at achieving harmony or agreement among different concepts or groups
3. The condition of elements being placed in a correct linear or orderly arrangement ; a state of concurrence or association with a particular faction or belief system

Etymology: Alignment began as a military and surveying term before it became a political one. Its base, "align," came into English from French "aligner," meaning to range soldiers in a line, from "a-" (to) and "ligne" (line). The noun was formed by adding the suffix "-ment," which French used to turn verbs into nouns of action or result, so the word names the state of things having been brought into line. The sense of being lined up with a group or cause is the more recent extension. Soldiers and troops standing in rank gave the word its visual core, and the idea of falling into step with a party, bloc or set of beliefs grew naturally from that picture of people arranged side by side. The precise date of this political sense is not something this etymology can pin down with confidence.

Synonyms: arrangement, positioning

Antonyms: disarray, disorganization