Word: inclination

Associations

"Inclination" refers to a person's tendency, desire, or preference toward something. It suggests a natural tendency or a leaning in a particular direction, either physically or metaphorically.

• Example 1: "She has an inclination for art." This means she enjoys or prefers art over other things.
• Example 2: "His inclination to help others makes him a great friend." This shows that he naturally wants to help people.
• Example 3: "There is a strong inclination among students to study abroad." Here, it indicates a common desire or preference among students.

A well-known synonym for "inclination" is "tendency." However, "tendency" often suggests a general or habitual behavior, while "inclination" can also imply a personal preference or a specific desire at a given moment.

Substitution

Instead of "inclination," you could use:

• "tendency": This emphasizes a more consistent or habitual behavior.
• "leaning": This suggests a slightly less strong preference.
• "predilection": This conveys a strong preference or liking, often for something specific.

Deconstruction

The word "inclination" comes from the Latin word "inclinare," which means "to lean."

• "In-" (prefix) means "in" or "into."
• "Clinare" (root) means "to lean." The suffix "-tion" is used to form nouns indicating action or state. Therefore, "inclination" refers to the state of leaning towards something.

Inquiry

1. Can you think of a time when you felt an inclination toward a particular hobby or interest? What was it?
2. How would you differentiate between an inclination and a strong desire?
3. Are there any specific inclinations you have that others might not understand? Why do you think that is?