incline
UK/in'klain/US
IELTSC2
Definitions
v.
To have or cause a tendency toward something
（使）倾向于
v.
To lean, slope, or bend
倾斜，弯（身）
n.
A slope or sloping surface
斜坡，斜面
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedin- (toward) + clīnāre (lean) = 'lean toward.' Physically a slope; figuratively a mental leaning — to incline toward a view is to tilt that way without committing. The figurative use dominates modern English.
Root clin still carries 13 more wordsUsage Guide
Stress shift: as a noun (a slope) it's usually IN-cline; as a verb (to lean/tend) it's in-CLINE. The verb most often appears as 'incline toward / to' or in the passive 'be inclined to.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
Most experts incline toward the simpler explanation.
- 2.
The road inclines steeply just past the bridge.
- 3.
We pushed the cart up a long incline.