Alignment: meaning, definitions and examples

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alignment

 

[ əˈlaɪnmənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in gaming

The arrangement or positioning of characters, objects, or elements within a game.

Synonyms

arrangement, placement, positioning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alignment

Used when talking about things being in a straight line or in perfect order. Often used in technical or organizational settings.

  • The alignment of the text needs to be adjusted in the document.
  • Proper alignment of the wheels is crucial for vehicle safety.
arrangement

Used when talking about the way things are placed or organized. Can refer to both physical and abstract placement.

  • The seating arrangement for the wedding has been finalized.
  • The arrangement of flowers on the table is beautiful.
positioning

Used when talking about the strategic placement of something, often for better visibility or effectiveness. Used in business, marketing, or physical space context.

  • The positioning of the brand in the market is crucial for its success.
  • The positioning of cameras allows for maximum coverage of the event.
placement

Used when talking about putting something in a specific place. Often used in the context of jobs or objects.

  • The placement of the sculpture was handled by the gallery staff.
  • Job placement services help graduates find employment.

Examples of usage

  • Proper alignment of your troops is crucial for victory.
  • Make sure the alignment of your character is optimized for maximum damage output.
Context #2 | Noun

in mechanics

The proper adjustment or positioning of components in a machine or vehicle.

Synonyms

adjustment, configuration, positioning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alignment

Used when referring to the arrangement in a straight line or in appropriate relative positions. Often used in contexts involving mechanical parts, teams, or strategic plans.

  • The car's wheels were out of alignment, causing uneven wear on the tires.
  • We need to ensure our goals are in alignment with the company's mission.
adjustment

Used when making minor changes to achieve the desired fit, appearance, or result. Often used in contexts of settings, personal finance, and physical mechanics

  • He made an adjustment to the seat height for better comfort.
  • After reviewing the budget, we need a slight adjustment to our spending plan.
positioning

Used when referring to the strategic placement or arrangement of something for effective efficiency or to gain a competitive advantage. Commonly used in marketing, business strategy, and physical placement.

  • Their brand positioning in the market has given them a unique identity.
  • Proper positioning of the furniture will make the room look more spacious.
configuration

Used when referring to the arrangement of parts or elements in a particular form or combination. Commonly used in technology, software, or complex systems arrangements.

  • The network configuration must be updated to improve security.
  • The device's configuration is set to default settings.

Examples of usage

  • The alignment of the wheels is essential for smooth driving.
  • Check the alignment of the gears to prevent malfunction.
Context #3 | Noun

in astronomy

The apparent position of a celestial object in relation to other celestial objects.

Synonyms

arrangement, orientation, positioning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alignment

Can also refer to agreement or alliance in abstract contexts, like ideas, values, or group objectives.

  • The team's goals were in alignment with the company's mission.
  • Political alignment often determines the success of certain policies.
positioning

Refers to how things are placed in a specific spot, often in strategic contexts such as marketing or battlefield tactics. It implies a deliberate or strategic placement.

  • Effective brand positioning in the market is crucial for success.
  • The positioning of the troops was critical for the success of the mission.
arrangement

Used when referring to the organization or setup of elements, particularly in more general, less technical settings. Common in discussions about plans, setups, or decorative setups.

  • The arrangement of the furniture in the living room looks great.
  • We have finalized the seating arrangement for the event.
orientation

This word is used when discussing the direction something faces, or the position of something relative to points of the compass. Also commonly used in terms of getting someone familiar with new surroundings or contexts.

  • The orientation of the building provides a beautiful view of the mountains.
  • The company hosts an orientation session for all new employees.

Examples of usage

  • The alignment of the planets created a rare celestial event.
  • The alignment of the stars guided ancient navigators.

Translations

Translations of the word "alignment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alinhamento

🇮🇳 संरेखण

🇩🇪 Ausrichtung

🇮🇩 penyelarasan

🇺🇦 вирівнювання

🇵🇱 wyrównanie

🇯🇵 整列 (せいれつ)

🇫🇷 alignement

🇪🇸 alineación

🇹🇷 hizalama

🇰🇷 정렬 (jeongnyeol)

🇸🇦 محاذاة

🇨🇿 zarovnání

🇸🇰 zarovnanie

🇨🇳 对齐 (duìqí)

🇸🇮 poravnava

🇮🇸 jöfnun

🇰🇿 түзету

🇬🇪 გასწორება

🇦🇿 düzləndirmə

🇲🇽 alineación

Etymology

The word 'alignment' originated from the French word 'alignement', which is derived from the Latin word 'aligare' meaning 'to bind together'. The concept of alignment has been used in various fields such as gaming, mechanics, and astronomy to denote the arrangement or positioning of objects or elements in relation to each other.

See also: align, aligned, aligning, alignments, misalign, misalignment, nonaligned, realignment.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,736 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.