inclination

inclination [in΄klə nā′shən]

n.

[OFr < L inclinatio < pp. of inclinare, INCLINE]

1. the act of bending, leaning, or sloping; esp., a bowing or nodding

2. an inclined surface or plane; slope; incline; slant

3. the extent or degree of incline from a horizontal or vertical position, course, etc.

4. the difference in direction of two lines, planes, or surfaces as measured by the angle between them; specif., a property of a line in a plane, being the angle measured from the positive portion of the x-axis to the line in question

5.

a) a particular disposition or bent of mind; bias; tendency [an inclination to talk]

b) a liking or preference

6. any action, practice, or thing, toward which one is inclined

inclinational

adj.

SYN.- INCLINATION refers to a more or less vague mental disposition toward some action, practice, or thing [he had an inclination to refuse ]; LEANING suggests a general inclination toward something but implies only the direction of attraction and not the final choice [Dr. Green had always had a leaning toward the study of law ]; BENT¹ and PROPENSITY imply a natural or inherent inclination, the latter also connoting an almost uncontrollable attraction [she has a bent for art, he has a propensity for getting into trouble ]; PROCLIVITY usually suggests strong inclination as a result of habitual indulgence, usually toward something bad or wrong [a proclivity to falsehood ]