align
UK[əˈlaɪn]US[əˈlaɪn]
v
To arrange things in a straight line or in the correct position relative to each other.
v
To bring something into agreement or alliance with something else.
Morpheme Breakdown
a
lign
a
to, towards
lign
line
Etymology
The word 'align' entered English in the late 17th century from French 'aligner', which itself was built from the phrase 'à ligne', meaning 'into line'. The French term derives from Latin roots: the prefix 'ad-' (to) and 'linea' (linen thread, string, line). The core concept of a physical line, originally a linen cord used by builders and surveyors to mark a straight path, evolved into the modern abstract meanings. Thus, the literal sense of bringing things 'into a line' logically extended to the figurative sense of bringing ideas, interests, or groups into agreement or proper coordination.
Analysis
Structure: a (to, towards) + lign (line)
The prefix 'a-' is from Latin 'ad-', meaning 'to, towards'. The root 'lign' is from Latin 'linea', meaning 'line'.
Examples
The carpenter aligned the edges of the boards perfectly.
Our company's goals align with the new environmental regulations.
Please align the text to the left margin.