align

/əˈlaɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈlaɪn/ (ame, ipa) · /ə-ˈlīn/ (ame, mw)

align — verb

1. to move things into one even row, or to come into the proper row yourself.

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to move things into one even row, or to come into the proper row yourself.

例句

Nora aligned the photo frame with the window before hammering in the nail.

align + object + with + reference line

On the screen, the four menu buttons aligned neatly under the blue title.

intransitive: things align by themselves

同義詞
  • line up

    more everyday and often used for simple physical arrangement

  • straighten

    focuses on making something not crooked, not on matching a reference point

  • position

    broader; does not always suggest a straight line

反義詞
  • misalign

    to leave parts in the wrong line or position

  • skew

    to push something off the correct line or angle

文法句型

align + noun + with + noun

align with + line or edge

align (intransitive)

用法筆記

Often followed by 'with' plus the line, edge, mark, or object used as the point of reference. Intransitive use is common for rows, buttons, columns, and other things that fall into position by themselves.

常見錯誤

❌Align the picture to the window.
✅Align the picture with the window.
💡use 'with' for the thing that serves as the reference.

2. to make plans, systems, ideas, or times fit each other well, or to fit in that w

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to make plans, systems, ideas, or times fit each other well, or to fit in that way.

例句

The school aligned its lunch menu with the new health rules.

align + plan or system + with + rule

Our travel dates do not align with Mia's exam week.

align with + schedule

同義詞
  • match

    plain everyday word for fitting or corresponding

  • coordinate

    often stresses organizing parts so they work together

  • fit

    broader and less formal; common for needs, plans, and times

反義詞
  • conflict

    to be inconsistent or pull in a different direction

  • clash

    stresses a strong lack of fit between values, aims, or schedules

文法句型

align + noun + with + noun

align with + goal, value, or need

be aligned with + noun

用法筆記

Usually followed by 'with'. The subject is often a goal, system, plan, value, or schedule rather than a person choosing a political side. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense is about fit or consistency, not open support.

常見錯誤

❌Our goals align each other.
✅Our goals align with each other.
💡when two things match, use 'with each other' or make one thing align with the other.

3. to join the side of a person, group, or cause, or to show support for that side.

3.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to join the side of a person, group, or cause, or to show support for that side.

例句

Several union leaders aligned with the hospital workers during the strike.

align with + group

By autumn, the small party had aligned itself with the president.

reflexive: align itself with

同義詞
  • support

    broader and more direct; not always about formally taking sides

  • side with

    close everyday equivalent for choosing one group over another

  • back

    often used for active public support

反義詞

文法句型

align with + person, group, or cause

align against + person or group

align yourself with + side or movement

用法筆記

Common with 'with', 'against', or 'behind' in political, social, and public debates. The subject is usually a person, party, country, or group taking a side, not a plan or schedule being made consistent.

常見錯誤

❌The senator aligned to the workers.
✅The senator aligned with the workers.
💡use 'with' for the side you support.