Aline

Part of speech: verb, adjective

Definitions

1. To arrange things into a straight line or bring them into proper relative position ; to side with a group, cause or viewpoint
2. To set parts in exact adjustment with one another ; to ally oneself with a particular party, movement or opinion
3. Placing objects in a precise, straight arrangement ; joining or supporting a cause, team or point of view

Etymology: The verb "aline" is built from the prefix "a-" and "line," so its literal sense is "into a line" or "in a straight row." English speakers have used it since at least the Middle Ages, and the word's earlier relatives show how it came to mean arranging things in alignment. Its exact route is uncertain: one possibility is an earlier English verb "alinen," which may have meant "to copulate," a sense that now seems surprising but shows how loosely the word once ranged. A French connection, "aligner," is also proposed as a source. The word's most reliable path is inheritance from the Middle English adjective "aline," meaning "in line." That meaning stayed close to the physical image of objects placed side by side, such as soldiers or printed letters, and the verb extended it to bringing things into agreement or proper position.

Synonyms: align, line up, straighten

Antonyms: misalign, disalign