alignment
uh-LYN-munt
/əˈlaɪnmənt/
The act of aligning or the state of being aligned; an arrangement in a straight line or in correct relative positions.
In politics, it refers to the positioning of a nation or group in support of another power or ideology.
The story behind the word. From the French 'alignement', from 'a-' (to) and 'ligne' (line). It literally means bringing different parties into a straight line of shared interest.
Word relationships
- alliance: Alliance is a formal agreement; alignment is a more general state of shared interests.
- bloc: Bloc is a specific group that acts as a unit, while alignment is the state of being on their side.
- divergence: Divergence is the process or state of departing from another path or interest.
Commonly confused with
- alliance: An alliance is a formal treaty; an alignment is a general positioning or shared direction.
Word family
- align (verb): To place or arrange in a straight line.
- aligned (adjective): Placed or arranged in a straight line; in agreement.
Collocations
- strategic alignment
- political alignment
- out of alignment
- perfect alignment
Example sentences
- "The country's strategic alignment with the West has led to increased military cooperation." Geopolitics
- "The CEO emphasized the need for better alignment between the sales and marketing departments." Business
Memory hook
Alignment is getting everyone 'in a line' for the same goal. Straight interests.
When not to use
Can be used physically (wheels) or metaphorically (interests); ensure the context is clear.
Fun facts
- The term 'Non-Aligned Movement' was used during the Cold War for countries not formally aligned with either the US or the USSR.
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