Meaning & Definition of word "Incline"

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    Incline

    /ɪnˈklaɪn/

    noun:

    • 1. A slope or slant.
      • Example: The incline of the hill made it difficult to climb.
    • 2. A tendency or preference toward a particular course of action.
      • Example: His inclination to help others is well-known in the community.

    verb:

    • 1. To bend or tilt (something) in a particular direction.
      • Example: He had to incline the painting slightly to the left to fit it in the frame.
    • 2. To feel a preference or tendency toward something.
      • Example: She tends to incline toward classical music over pop.
    • 3. To lean in a particular direction or to be disposed to a certain path.
      • Example: The road will incline upward as we approach the mountain.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Latin 'inclinare', meaning 'to lean on, bend over'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    incline to:

    to have a tendency or preference towards something.

    steep incline:

    a sharp or steep slope.

    on the incline:

    showing an upward trend or increase.

    Related Words

    inclination:

    a tendency or preference.

    decline:

    to decrease or refuse.

    recline:

    to lean back or rest in a horizontal position.

    Slang Meanings of incline

    Meaning: to suggest or hint at something.

    Example Sentence: He was inclined to agree with her without saying it outright.

    Meaning: to be drawn to a choice or option.

    Example Sentence: I'm inclined to go for the pizza instead of the pasta.