inclination Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
    tendency; disposition.
    • he had an inclination to give up too easily
    • a tendency to be too strict
  2. noun (astronomy) the angle between the plane of the orbit and the plane of the ecliptic stated in degrees
    inclination of an orbit.
  3. noun (geometry) the angle formed by the x-axis and a given line (measured counterclockwise from the positive half of the x-axis)
    angle of inclination.
  4. noun (physics) the angle that a magnetic needle makes with the plane of the horizon
    magnetic dip; angle of dip; dip; magnetic inclination.
  5. noun that toward which you are inclined to feel a liking
    • her inclination is for classical music
  6. noun the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical
    tilt; lean; list; leaning.
    • the tower had a pronounced tilt
    • the ship developed a list to starboard
    • he walked with a heavy inclination to the right
  7. noun a characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect
    tendency.
    • the alkaline inclination of the local waters
    • fabric with a tendency to shrink
  8. noun the act of inclining; bending forward
    inclining.
    • an inclination of his head indicated his agreement

WordNet