Incline

/ɪnˈklaɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A slope or slant.

The incline of the hill made it difficult to climb.

A tendency or preference toward a particular course of action.

His inclination to help others is well-known in the community.

verb

To bend or tilt (something) in a particular direction.

He had to incline the painting slightly to the left to fit it in the frame.

To feel a preference or tendency toward something.

She tends to incline toward classical music over pop.

To lean in a particular direction or to be disposed to a certain path.

The road will incline upward as we approach the mountain.

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

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.

inclination

a tendency or preference.

decline

to decrease or refuse.

recline

to lean back or rest in a horizontal position.

to suggest or hint at something.

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

to be drawn to a choice or option.

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