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How to Say "alignment" in Spanish

English → Spanish

alineación

nounB2General/Technical
Use 'alineación' when referring to the physical arrangement of objects in a straight line, especially in technical contexts like car maintenance or military formations.

Examples

La alineación de las ruedas es crucial para la seguridad del vehículo.

The alignment of the wheels is crucial for the vehicle's safety.

alineación

nounC1General/Figurative
Use 'alineación' when discussing agreement, support, or a shared position with a group, ideology, or set of values.

Examples

Su alineación con las políticas del partido le aseguró un puesto en la lista electoral.

His alignment with the party's policies secured him a place on the electoral list.

configuración

nounC1General/Technical
Use 'configuración' specifically when describing the arrangement or setup of elements, particularly in relation to their position or how they are organized, like stars in the sky or settings on a device.

Examples

La configuración de los planetas en ese momento era inusual.

The configuration of the planets at that time was unusual.

Physical vs. Conceptual Alignment

The most common mistake is using 'configuración' for general agreement or physical straightening. Remember, 'alineación' covers both physical straightening (like car wheels) and conceptual agreement (like values). 'Configuración' is more about the specific way things are set up or arranged, often in a broader or more abstract sense.

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