Inclination
/ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃən/
nounB2
Definition
Inclination is the feeling that makes you want to do something or a natural preference for a certain action or idea. It can also mean the way something leans or slopes, like a hill or a surface that is not flat.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
A natural tendency or feeling to do something
- •She has an inclination to help others in need.
- •His inclination is to stay quiet during arguments.
- •I felt an inclination to learn more about music.
The angle or slope of a surface or object
- •The road has a steep inclination, so be careful when driving.
- •The roof’s inclination helps rainwater flow down easily.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "inclination" like "want" or "like" (A1 words), but stronger and more natural—it's not just a choice, it feels like a pull inside you.
- ✓Picture a small hill that tilts gently to one side; that tilt is its inclination.
- ✓It's the feeling when you want to eat ice cream instead of cake because you naturally prefer it.
- ✓Sounds like "in-kli-NAY-shun" → imagine someone saying "I lean (incline) this way" with a gentle nod.
- ✓Think of a magnet pulling metal toward it—a natural attraction or pull, just like inclination pulls your choices.
- ✓NOT like "force" (strong push), inclination is a gentle, natural feeling or slope.
- ✓NOT like "decision" (a clear choice), inclination is more about feeling or tendency, sometimes before deciding.
- ✓NOT like "flat" (no slope), inclination means something is slanted or leaning.
Try Other Words
- •Preference: a liking for something (Use when talking about liking one thing more than another)
- •Leaning: a slight preference or tendency (Use when the feeling is not very strong)
- •Slope: the angle of a surface (Use when talking about physical inclination, like hills or roofs)
- •Tendency: usual behavior or habit (Use when describing repeated actions or habits)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "in-" (toward, inside) + "cline" (to lean, bend) + "-ation" (a noun suffix meaning the action or result)
- •Etymology: From Latin "inclinare" meaning "to lean or bend toward"
- •Historical development: Used since the 15th century in English to describe physical leaning and later mental or emotional tendencies
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe personal feelings, preferences, or physical slopes in everyday and formal language
Reflect & Connect
•How does your own inclination affect the decisions you make every day?
•Can an inclination change over time, or is it usually constant? Why do you think so?
Fill in the blanks
1.When I have free time, my inclination is to ___ ___ and read a book rather than watch TV.
2.The mountain’s inclination was so steep that hikers had to be very ___ while climbing.
3.She showed an inclination ___ helping others by volunteering every weekend.
4.Unlike a strong decision, an inclination is more like a ___ feeling or desire.
5.The roof’s inclination allows rainwater to ___ ___ quickly and prevents leaks.
6.His natural inclination toward music helped him learn to play the guitar easily.
7.Sometimes, an inclination can change if you ___ new information or experiences.