Alignments: meaning, definitions and examples

🔧
Add to dictionary

alignments

 

[əˈlaɪnmənts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in mathematics

Arrangement of elements in a particular order, especially when comparing two or more sequences or structures.

Synonyms

arrangement, ordering, positioning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
alignments

Refers to the precise adjustment of parts in relation to one another, often used in technical or strategic contexts.

  • The mechanic checked the wheel alignments before the race
  • Their business strategies showed perfect alignments with each other
positioning

Refers to the placement of objects or people in a specific location or context, can also refer to strategic market placement.

  • The manager spent time positioning the new products on the shelves
  • Proper positioning in the market is crucial for a brand's success
ordering

Implies putting things in a sequential order or a specific sequence, often used in logistical or list-making contexts.

  • She spent hours ordering the files chronologically
  • The kitchen staff was busy ordering ingredients for the recipe

Examples of usage

  • The student studied the alignments of DNA sequences.
  • The alignments of the stars in the sky were mesmerizing.
Context #2 | Noun

in technology

Adjustment of components to achieve a specific position or orientation.

Synonyms

adjustment, alignment, calibration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
alignments

Generally refers to the state of being aligned, or the precise positioning of various components. Often used in technical and mechanical contexts.

  • Frequent alignments of the telescope are necessary for clear astronomical observations.
  • The software updates improved the alignments of multiple data points in the analysis.
adjustment

Used to indicate a small change or modification made to improve the function or fit of something. Often used in everyday settings as well as technical fields.

  • She made a quick adjustment to the seat before driving.
  • The financial plan may need some adjustments to meet the new goals.
calibration

Refers to the process of adjusting and setting a device or system to ensure it operates within its specified parameters. Frequently used in scientific, technical, and engineering domains.

  • The lab technician performed the calibration of the equipment to guarantee accurate results.
  • Before using the sensor, it must undergo a thorough calibration process.
alignment

Commonly used to describe the act of arranging in a straight line or the state of being so arranged. This word is also used more abstractly to refer to agreement or coordination among different elements.

  • Proper alignment of the sensors is crucial for accurate data collection.
  • There needs to be alignment between the company's mission and its strategic plans.

Examples of usage

  • The mechanic performed alignments on the car's wheels.
  • Proper alignments are crucial for the functioning of electronic devices.
Context #3 | Verb

in a general sense

To arrange or position something in a straight line or correct relative positions.

Synonyms

adjust, arrange, position.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
alignments

Used in technical or mechanical settings to ensure components are in the correct relative positions. It can also be used in strategic or organizational contexts.

  • The engineer checked the alignments of the gears
  • The company worked on its strategic alignments for the coming year
adjust

Used when making small, precise changes to improve the accuracy or functionality of something.

  • She adjusted the seat to fit her height
  • He adjusted the brightness on his monitor
arrange

Used when organizing items into a particular order or configuration, often emphasizing the spatial or temporal arrangement.

  • She arranged the flowers in a vase
  • They arranged a meeting for next week
position

Used when placing something in a specific place, often with a focus on the location or stance of the object or person.

  • He positioned the camera to get the best shot
  • She was positioned at the front of the stage

Examples of usage

  • Please align the text to the left margin.
  • The team needs to align their goals for better cooperation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'lineare', meaning 'to arrange in a straight line'.
  • In English, it started to be used in the 19th century, primarily relating to arranging objects.
  • The prefix 'a-' in align means 'to' or 'toward', indicating direction.

Science

  • In physics, alignments can refer to the positioning of celestial bodies, such as planets during a solar event.
  • Biological alignments can be significant in genetics where genes must line up correctly for traits to be expressed.
  • In environmental science, ecosystem alignments focus on how living systems interact with each other.

Psychology

  • Cognitive alignment in psychology refers to how people's views or beliefs can align with each other over time.
  • The concept of alignment can explain why people often form groups with similar interests or behaviors.
  • Alignments in therapy may focus on matching therapist and client goals for better outcomes.

Business

  • In the corporate world, strategic alignments are crucial for ensuring that a company's mission and daily operations match.
  • Alignments in team dynamics are important for promoting collaboration and shared objectives among members.
  • Many startups use alignment techniques in business planning to ensure all parts of the business are working together.

Technology

  • In software development, alignments can refer to ensuring that different systems or components work together seamlessly.
  • Alignment algorithms in computer science help optimize performance in networking and data transmission.
  • In graphics design, alignments are vital for ensuring visual elements are positioned harmoniously.

Translations

Translations of the word "alignments" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alinhamentos

🇮🇳 संरेखण

🇩🇪 Ausrichtungen

🇮🇩 penyelarasan

🇺🇦 вирівнювання

🇵🇱 wyrównania

🇯🇵 整列

🇫🇷 alignements

🇪🇸 alineaciones

🇹🇷 hizalamalar

🇰🇷 정렬

🇸🇦 محاذاة

🇨🇿 zarovnání

🇸🇰 zarovnania

🇨🇳 对齐

🇸🇮 poravnave

🇮🇸 jöfnun

🇰🇿 түзетілімдер

🇬🇪 გასწორება

🇦🇿 sıralamalar

🇲🇽 alineaciones

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,471, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.