inclination

IPA/ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃn/
KK[ˌɪnklənˈeʃən]IPA/ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃn/

inclination — noun

  • inclinationsingular
  • inclinationsplural

1. a natural feeling that pulls you toward a specific action or choice, making that

1.名詞B2
釋義

a natural feeling that pulls you toward a specific action or choice, making that option feel like the right or appealing thing to do — even when you have not fully thought it through

例句

Sari had a strong inclination to become a marine biologist after spending summers at the coast.

inclination + to-infinitive for desired action

Despite his fear of heights, Benjamin fought the natural inclination to step back from the cliff edge.

fight/resist + inclination

同義詞
  • tendency

    more neutral and can describe mechanical or habitual patterns, not just conscious desire

  • propensity

    stronger and often suggests an inherent or almost involuntary urge

  • leaning

    softer, often used for opinions, tastes, or political views

  • preference

    about conscious choice when alternatives exist, not a subconscious pull

反義詞
  • disinclination

    a lack of willingness or a mild reluctance to do something

  • aversion

    a strong feeling of dislike that makes you want to avoid something

文法句型

inclination + to-infinitive (inclination to leave)

inclination + toward + noun phrase (inclination toward change)

have/show/fight + an/the inclination

用法筆記

Frequently used with possessive adjectives (her inclination, his inclination) or in the phrase 'first inclination' to describe an immediate, intuitive reaction. Also common in the negative: 'have no inclination to...' means a clear lack of desire.

常見錯誤

❌I have the inclination that prices will rise.
✅I have the impression that prices will rise.
💡Inclination describes a personal urge to act, not a belief or prediction about external events.
❌She has an inclination for spicy food.
✅She has a preference for spicy food.' or 'She has an inclination toward spicy food.
💡Use 'toward/towards' or a to-infinitive, not 'for.'

❌ 'His inclination of the situation was wrong.' — Inclination cannot mean 'understanding' or 'interpretation.' Use 'reading of the situation' instead.

2. a small, deliberate downward movement of the head, chin, shoulders, or upper bod

2.名詞B2
釋義

a small, deliberate downward movement of the head, chin, shoulders, or upper body — often used to show understanding, respect, or silent agreement without speaking

例句

The teacher acknowledged Isabela's question with a slight inclination of her head.

inclination of [body part] for silent communication

Ilan greeted his grandfather with a respectful inclination of his upper body before taking a seat.

同義詞
  • nod

    the everyday word for a head dip; less formal than 'inclination'

  • bow

    a deeper bend of the body or head, usually to show respect

文法句型

inclination + of + the head/body/chin

with a slight/gentle inclination

用法筆記

This sense is more common in formal or literary writing than in everyday conversation. In casual speech, 'nod' is the usual word for a head movement, while 'bow' is used for the upper body. 'Inclination' carries a slightly more elegant or deliberate tone.

常見錯誤

❌He gave an inclination and walked away.
✅He gave a nod and walked away.
💡In everyday spoken English, 'nod' is far more natural than 'inclination' for casual situations.

❌ 'She made an inclination to pick up the book.' — This sense is only about downward body movements, not about reaching for something. Use 'motion' or 'movement' instead.

3. the degree or angle at which a surface, line, or object is positioned away from

3.名詞C1
釋義

the degree or angle at which a surface, line, or object is positioned away from a perfectly level or upright position — how much something leans or tilts

例句

The roof has a steep inclination so that heavy snow slides off during the winter.

steep inclination of a surface

Engineers measured the inclination of the drainage pipe to confirm that water would flow properly.

同義詞
  • slope

    more common in everyday use; a slope is the inclined surface itself

  • gradient

    technical term for steepness, especially in roads and railways

  • tilt

    emphasizes a deviation from an upright or level position on one axis

文法句型

inclination + of + [measurement/noun]

at an inclination

angle of inclination

用法筆記

Often appears in technical contexts as part of the fixed phrase 'angle of inclination.' In everyday language, 'slope' or 'tilt' are more common. This sense is also used in astronomy and geometry for the angle between two orbital planes or lines.

常見錯誤

❌The inclination of the stairs was too steep to climb.
✅The slope of the stairs was too steep to climb.
💡'Inclination' for a surface angle is very formal or technical; 'slope' or 'gradient' is more natural for describing stairs.

❌ 'The inclination of the wall is 10 degrees.' — This is grammatically acceptable but sounds overly technical for everyday use. Say 'The wall leans at a 10-degree angle' in casual conversation.