inclination
noun /ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃn/
/ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃn/
- [uncountable, countable] a feeling that makes you want to do something
- inclination (to do something) He did not show the slightest inclination to leave.
- My natural inclination is to find a compromise.
- She had neither the time nor the inclination to help them.
- inclination (towards/for something) She lacked any inclination for housework.
- by inclination He was a loner by nature and by inclination.
- You must follow your own inclinations when choosing a career.
Extra Examples- In matters of dress she followed her personal inclinations rather than fashion.
- Hopes of advancement in the company may curb any inclination to deviate from the requirements of superiors.
- You should resist any inclination to meddle.
- Your first inclination may be to panic.
- He is a teacher by occupation but a philosopher by inclination.
- My own inclination is to be more direct in approach.
- She has no inclination towards mysticism.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- strong
- slight
- little
- …
- feel
- have
- show
- …
- by inclination
- inclination for
- inclination towards/toward
- …
- neither the time nor the inclination
- the time or the inclination
- [countable] inclination to do something a new way of doing something that is starting to develop
- There is an inclination to treat geography as a less important subject.
- There is an inclination to present a one-sided view of the researchers' findings.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- strong
- slight
- little
- …
- feel
- have
- show
- …
- by inclination
- inclination for
- inclination towards/toward
- …
- neither the time nor the inclination
- the time or the inclination
- [countable, usually singular, uncountable] (specialist) a degree of sloping
- The panels are placed at an inclination of 45 degrees.
- The earth's angle of inclination remains constant as it orbits the sun.
- [countable] a small movement downwards, usually of the head
Word Originlate Middle English: from Latin inclinatio(n-), from inclinare ‘bend towards’, from in- ‘towards’ + clinare ‘to bend’.