inclination
13 synonyms and 0 antonyms for inclination, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A tendency or preference to think or act in a certain way.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use inclination
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French inclination and Latin inclinatio, from inclinare, "to bend or lean" — the same root as "incline" and "lean."
Full origin of inclination →Frequently asked questions
What does “inclination” mean?
The word “inclination” means a tendency or preference to think or act in a certain way. In plain terms, a leaning — either a tendency to feel or act a certain way, or a physical slope.
How do you pronounce “inclination”?
“Inclination” is pronounced ihn-klih-NAY-shuhn (/ˌɪn.klɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “inclination” in a sentence?
Here is “inclination” used in a sentence: “She had no inclination to argue about it any further.”
What part of speech is “inclination”?
“Inclination” is a noun.
Where does the word “inclination” come from?
The word “inclination” comes from Latin. From Old French inclination and Latin inclinatio, from inclinare, "to bend or lean" — the same root as "incline" and "lean.".
Is “inclination” a common word?
“Inclination” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “inclination” have?
“Inclination” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tendency or preference to think or act in a certain way.