v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. (usu. in passive; often foll. by to, for, or to + infin.) a make (a person, feelings, etc.) willing or favourably disposed (am inclined to think so; does not incline me to agree). b give a specified tendency to (a thing) (the door is inclined to bang).
2 intr. a be disposed (I incline to think so). b (often foll. by to, towards) tend.
3 intr. & tr. lean or turn away from a given direction, esp. the vertical.
4 tr. bend (the head, body, or oneself) forward or downward.
--n.
1. a slope.
2 an inclined plane.
Phrases and idioms:
inclined plane a sloping plane (esp. as a means of reducing the force needed to raise a load). incline one's ear (often foll. by to) listen favourably.
Derivatives:
incliner n.
Etymology: ME encline f. OF encliner f. L inclinare (as IN-(2), clinare bend)