inclining
/in'klainiɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- the act of inclining; bending forward
- an inclination of his head indicated his agreement