realignment
UK[ˌriːəˈlaɪnmənt]US[ˌriːəˈlaɪnmənt]
n
The action of changing or restoring something to a different or former position or state, especially in politics, organizations, or policies.
n
The process of aligning something again or correctly.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
align
ment
re
again
align
to line up
ment
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'realignment' is a modern English formation built upon classical components. Its core, 'align', entered English via Old French from the Latin verb alineare, meaning "to bring into line", itself derived from linea (line). The prefix 're-', a prolific Latin element meaning "again", was attached to signify repetition. Finally, the Latinate suffix '-ment' was added to nominalize the action, creating a term for the process of arranging into line once more. Thus, the literal concept of "the process of lining up again" evolved into its contemporary abstract meanings, encompassing political restructuring, organizational changes, and corrective adjustments.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + align (to line up) + ment (noun suffix)
- re: A prefix of Latin origin meaning "again" or "back".
- align: A verb of French and ultimately Latin origin (alineare, from ad- "to" + linea "line"), meaning "to bring into line".
- ment: A noun-forming suffix of Latin origin (-mentum), indicating an action, process, or resulting state.
Examples
The election results prompted a major political realignment within the country.
The mechanic performed a wheel realignment to fix the car's steering.
The company's strategic realignment focused its resources on core markets.