inclination
Other forms: inclinations
You can see the word "incline" inside inclination, which clues you in to the fact that inclination has to do with leaning. Sometimes the inclination is literal; in most cases it's about what you incline toward in a figurative sense.
An inclination is something you are leaning toward, a tendency you have. You could have a specific inclination for chocolate, or you could have an inclination that applies to a decision you are about to make: "Looking at this dessert menu, my inclination is to skip everything and just go home and have a chocolate bar."
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the act of inclining; bending forward
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the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical
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(geometry) the angle formed by the x-axis and a given line (measured counterclockwise from the positive half of the x-axis)synonyms: angle of inclinationtype of:anglethe space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians
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(astronomy) the angle between the plane of the orbit and the plane of the ecliptic stated in degreessynonyms: inclination of an orbittype of:anglethe space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians
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(physics) the angle that a magnetic needle makes with the plane of the horizonsynonyms: angle of dip, dip, magnetic dip, magnetic inclinationtype of:anglethe space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians
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a characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect“the alkaline inclination of the local waters”synonyms: tendencytypes:buoyancythe tendency to float in water or other liquidelectronegativity, negativity(chemistry) the tendency of an atom or radical to attract electrons in the formation of an ionic bondstainability(cytology) the capacity of cells or cell parts to stain specifically with certain dyesdesirean inclination to want thingsbasophiliathe tendency of cells to stain with basic dyesgreedexcessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deservestype of:dispositiona natural or acquired habit or characteristic tendency in a person or thing
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an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others“he had an inclination to give up too easily”synonyms: disposition, tendencytypes:directiona general course along which something has a tendency to developCalla special disposition (as if from a divine source) to pursue a particular coursedenominationalismthe tendency, in Protestantism, to separate into religious denominations or to advocate such separationsdevicesan inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase `left to your own devices'literalisma disposition to interpret statements in their literal senseperseveration(psychology) the tendency for a memory or idea to persist or recur without any apparent stimulus for itpredispositionan inclination beforehand to interpret statements in a particular waydisapproval, disfavor, disfavour, dislikean inclination to withhold approval from some person or grouptenora settled or prevailing or habitual course of a person's lifeevolutionary trenda general direction of evolutionary changegravitationa figurative movement toward some attractiondoghousean idiomatic term for being in disfavorreprobationsevere disapprovalanthropocentricity, anthropocentrisman inclination to evaluate reality exclusively in terms of human valuesethnocentrismbelief in the superiority of one's own ethnic groupEurocentrismbelief in the preeminence of Europe and the Europeansbias, preconception, prejudicea partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situationtilta slight but noticeable partialityunfairnesspartiality that is not fair or equitabledisinterestednessfreedom from bias or from selfish motivescandor, candour, fair-mindedness, fairnessability to make judgments free from discrimination or dishonestytype of:attitude, mental attitudea complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
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that toward which you are inclined to feel a liking“her inclination is for classical music”antonyms:disinclinationthat toward which you are inclined to feel disliketypes:stomachan inclination or liking for things involving conflict or difficulty or unpleasantnessundertowan inclination contrary to the strongest or prevailing feelingtype of:likinga feeling of pleasure and enjoyment
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Vocabulary lists containing inclination
In preparation for the AP English Literature and Composition exam, learn the vocabulary from these metaphors -- taken from popular AP novels. A metaphor is a figure of speech in which two unlike things are compared (NOT using "like" or "as").
In this work of nonfiction, Mitch Albom reconnects with a favorite college professor and learns valuable lessons in the last months of the elderly scholar's life.
In this Pulitzer Prize-winning play, many characters, including a Stage Manager who takes on several roles, use imaginary props and pantomime to portray life and death in the small town of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire.