I. in-ˈklīn verb
( in·clined ; in·clin·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French incliner, encliner, from Latin inclinare, from in- + clinare to lean — more at lean
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1. : to bend the head or body forward : bow
2. : to lean, tend, or become drawn toward an opinion or course of conduct
3. : to deviate from a line, direction, or course ; specifically : to deviate from the vertical or horizontal
transitive verb
1. : to cause to stoop or bow : bend
2. : to have influence on : persuade
his love of books inclined him toward a literary career
3. : to give a bend or slant to
• in·clin·er noun
Synonyms:
incline , bias , dispose , predispose mean to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something. incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions
I incline to agree
bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice
the experience biased him against foreigners
dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something
her nature disposes her to trust others
predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself
does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?
II. ˈin-ˌklīn noun
Date: 1846
: an inclined plane : grade , slope