ad-

to, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

Forms

ad-
ac- — Used before c in Latin.
af- — Used before f in Latin.
ag- — Used before g in Latin.
al- — Used before l in Latin.
ap- — Used before p in Latin.
ar- — Used before r in Latin.
as- — Used before s in Latin.
at- — Used before t in Latin.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *ad, ‘to; near.’

Note

Later Latin-based spellings sometimes restored consonants that had disappeared in French.

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verb

align

uh-LYNE/əˈlaɪn/

To bring things into the same line or corresponding positions.

She aligns the picture frames along a straight pencil mark.

Two adult hands straighten three small picture frames so their lower edges share one horizontal line; correct positioning is clear.

Etymology

aLatinto, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

+lignLatinthread, string, or line

Linea named a thread or measuring cord as well as a line. To align is to bring things into line, connecting proper positioning with the straight guide supplied by a cord.

In context

LearnFree3:12

Now, to align the dates, we want to add just one tab before each year, and they will jump to the new tab stop.

Word: Indents and Tabs

More examples

We must align the wheels before returning the car.
The two organizations aligned their policies to avoid conflicting rules.
He is aligning himself with the reform wing of the party.

Forms

align · aligns · aligned · aligning

alignment noun — Arrangement in corresponding positions or shared aims.

Similar words

straighten: Emphasizes removing bends rather than matching relative positions.
coordinate: Organizes joint action without necessarily bringing positions into agreement.