incline
UK: ɪnˈklaɪn | US: ɪnˈklaɪn
v. to lean or slope in a particular direction
v. to have a tendency or preference
n. a sloping surface or plane
incline = in<toward> + cline<lean>
- in<toward>: From Latin in-, meaning "into, toward."
- cline<lean>: From Latin clinare, meaning "to bend, lean."
Etymology Origin:
The word "incline" traces back to Latin inclīnāre, combining in- (toward) and clināre (to lean). It originally described physical leaning or bending, later extending metaphorically to tendencies or preferences. The root cline appears in related words like "decline" (lean downward) and "recline" (lean back).
The path begins to incline steeply after the first mile.
She inclines toward a minimalist lifestyle.
The professor’s research inclines toward quantum physics.
The wheelchair ramp has a gentle incline for accessibility.
His political views incline to the left.