incline

 

verb

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈklʌɪn/
  • 1 (usually be inclined to/towards/to do something) be favourably disposed towards or willing to do something: he was inclined to accept the offer Lucy was inclined to a belief in original sin
  • [with infinitive] (especially as a polite formula) tend to have a specified opinion: I’m inclined to agree with you
  • [with object] make (someone) disposed to do something: his prejudice inclines him to overlook obvious facts
  • [no object] feel favourably disposed towards someone or something: I incline to the view that this conclusion is untenable
  • 2 (usually be inclined to/to do something) have a tendency to do something: she’s inclined to gossip with complete strangers
  • [with adverbial] have a specified disposition or talent: some people are very mathematically inclined
  • 3 [no object, usually with adverbial of direction] lean or turn away from a given plane or direction, especially the vertical or horizontal: the bunker doors incline outwards (as adjective inclined) an inclined ramp
  • [with object] bend (one’s head) forwards and downwards: he inclined his head in agreement

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɪnklʌɪn/
  • an inclined surface or plane; a slope, especially on a road or railway: the road climbs a long incline through a forest

Derivatives

inclinable

adjective

incliner

noun

Origin:

Middle English (originally in the sense 'bend (the head or body) towards something'; formerly also as encline): from Old French encliner, from Latin inclinare, from in- 'towards' + clinare 'to bend'