Alining

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Arranges parts or objects in a straight line or in their correct relative position ; brings one's opinions or interests into agreement with a group, party or cause
2. Places components in a true row or fixed position ; adjusts one's stance so that it matches a policy, movement or set of ideas
3. Lines up items accurately with one another ; brings a person's views or actions into harmony with those of another body or movement

Etymology: "Alining" is the present participle of "aline," which means to bring into a straight line or to arrange in alignment. The verb is built from the prefix "a-" and the noun "line," so its literal sense is something like "into line." That combination is a familiar English pattern, seen in words such as "afoot" and "aboard." The verb "aline" is thought to have developed in Middle English, where a form "alinen" appeared, and it may also have been influenced by the Old French "aligner," which came from "a-" plus "ligne," meaning line. Scholars are not certain how much each route contributed, so the exact pathway remains open. One curiosity is that the Middle English "alinen" also carried a much racier sense, "to copulate," a meaning that has nothing to do with lines and that the modern word has long since lost.

Synonyms: align, adjust, straighten, line up

Antonyms: misalign