alignment

Everyday

1. Arrangement in a straight line or in the right position: «the alignment of the wheels». tree →
2. (science) When planets or stars appear in a line in the sky. tree →
3. Agreement or being on the same side: «in alignment with the rules». tree →
4. (computing, writing) How text is lined up: left, centre, right. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and design, alignment means lining things up neatly along a straight edge. In computing, «text alignment» buttons line text to the left, centre or right. In space science, «planetary alignment» is when planets look lined up from Earth. Phrases: «in alignment», «out of alignment», «align with».

Examples

• The mechanic checked the alignment of the car's wheels. tree →
• Use a ruler to keep the alignment of your columns straight. tree →
• Set the title's alignment to centre. tree →
• The planets were in alignment in the evening sky. tree →
• My front teeth are out of alignment, so I have a brace. tree →
• The teams are in alignment about the plan. tree →

Note

From the verb «align» (line up). Spelling: keep the silent g: alignment. Do not write «allignment». Countable and uncountable.