VocabDictionary

inclination

/ˌɪn.klɪˈneɪ.ʃən/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A person's natural tendency or urge to act or feel in a particular way; a disposition.

Example Sentences:
  • He showed no inclination to sign the contract.
  • My first inclination was to call the police, but I decided to wait.
2.noun

An angle at which a line or surface tilts relative to another.

Example Sentences:
  • The roof was built with a steep inclination to shed heavy winter snow.
  • The satellite's orbital inclination allows it to cover the polar regions.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “inclination”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Late Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin inclinatio(n-), from the verb inclinare 'bend towards' (from in- 'towards' + clinare 'to lean').

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'in-CLIFF-nation': you have a natural 'inclination' to lean away from the edge of a steep cliff.

Frequently Asked Questions About “inclination

1. What is the meaning of “inclination” in English?

In English, inclination (noun) is defined as: “A person's natural tendency or urge to act or feel in a particular way; a disposition.”.

2. How do you use “inclination” in a sentence?

He showed no inclination to sign the contract.

3. What are English synonyms of “inclination”?

Common synonyms include:tendency,penchant,propensity,predilection

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “inclination”?

Late Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin inclinatio(n-), from the verb inclinare 'bend towards' (from in- 'towards' + clinare 'to lean').