Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of leaning, tilting, or bending forward or downward: The physical movement of changing the angle or position of something, especially the body or head, from the vertical.
   • A tendency, preference, or disposition: A natural leaning of the mind or feelings toward a particular thing, person, or course of action.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Physical Act):

  • A slight inclining of his head was the only sign he gave.
  • The inclining of the tower is a cause for concern among engineers.

• Noun (Tendency or Preference):

  • She has a strong inclining towards classical music.
  • His political inclinings have always been conservative.

Advanced Usage

• "To have an inclining for/toward(s) something": To have a liking or preference for something.

  • He has always had an inclining for the quiet life of the countryside.

• "To follow one's inclinings": To act according to one's natural preferences or instincts.

  • Rather than a strict plan, she preferred to follow her inclinings.

Variants and Related Words

• Incline (verb/noun): To lean, slope, or slant; or a sloping surface. Also used to mean a tendency.

  • The path begins to incline steeply.
  • He has an artistic incline.

• Inclination (noun): The more common noun form for both the physical act and the tendency.

  • She showed her agreement with a nod of inclination.
  • My inclination is to trust him.

Synonyms

• Leaning: A tendency or preference.
• Bent: A natural talent or inclination.
• Proclivity: A tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination.
• Predisposition: A liability or tendency to suffer from a particular condition or hold a particular attitude.

Related Phrases

• Inclining to/toward(s): Having a tendency or preference for.
  • The data shows an economy inclining toward recession.

Notes on Usage

• The noun "inclining" is less common in modern usage than "inclination". It is often found in more formal or literary contexts.
• When referring to a physical movement, it is typically used with words like , , or .
• When referring to a tendency, it is often used in the plural form (inclinings) or preceded by an article ().

Noun

1. the act of inclining; bending forward
   • an inclination of his head indicated his agreement