in·cline
(ĭn-klīń)
[Middle English enclinen, from Old French encliner, from Latin inclīnāre, in-, into, toward; see in–2, + -clīnāre, to lean.]
verb: -clined, -clin·ing, -clines.
intransitive verb
- To deviate from the horizontal or vertical; slant.
- To be disposed to a certain preference, opinion, or course of action.
- To lower or bend the head or body, as in a nod or bow.
transitive verb
- To cause to lean, slant, or slope.
- To influence to have a certain tendency; dispose: Recent events incline us to distrust all politicians.
- To bend or lower in a nod or bow: inclined her head in acquiescence.
noun
- An inclined surface; a slope or gradient.
derivatives
- in·clińer
- noun
synonyms:
incline, bias, dispose, predispose These verbs mean to influence or be influenced toward a particular attitude or course of action: inclined to believe her; is biased in his favor; were disposed to admire him; predisposed to studying.- See also: slant
Antonym: disincline
