Inclination
ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsA disposition or propensity to do something; a liking or preference for a particular thing.
ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃən
A tendency toward a particular action, opinion, or feeling.
She had a strong inclination to become a doctor.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're naturally drawn to something, like having an inclination to eat ice cream on a hot day! It's a feeling that nudges you in a certain direction.
👶 For kids: It's like when you really like something, like when you have an inclination to play with your favorite toy.
More Examples
My inclination is to stay home and relax on the weekends.
There's a general inclination towards optimism in her writing.
He showed an inclination to agree with her point of view.
How It's Used
"His inclination toward helping others was well-known."
"The study examined the inclination of individuals to seek out novelty."
The act of bending or sloping; a slope or slant.
ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃən
A slope or slant.
The inclination of the road made for a challenging bike ride.
💡 Simply: Imagine a playground slide. The angle of the slide, how sloped it is, is its inclination.
👶 For kids: It's how tilted something is, like a slide or a hill.
More Examples
They measured the inclination of the land before building the house.
The architect carefully considered the roof's inclination to ensure proper drainage.
The sun's inclination changes throughout the year, affecting the seasons.
How It's Used
"The inclination of the roof was designed for optimal water runoff."
"The inclination of a planet's orbit is measured relative to the ecliptic."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
have an inclination to
To be likely or disposed to do something; to feel a tendency towards something.
"I have an inclination to believe her story is true."
From Late Latin *īnclinatio*, meaning 'a bending or leaning,' from *īnclinare*, 'to bend, lean, or incline,' derived from *in-* (in, on) and *clīnāre* (to bend).
The word 'inclination' has been used since the 14th century to describe a tendency or preference and, later, a physical slope or slant.
Memory tip
Imagine leaning *in* a certain *clination* (direction) because you *like* it.
Word Origin
"to bend, lean, or incline"