inclination

plural inclinations

1. countableuncountableA physical tilt or bend.

   The inclination of his head increased and he awoke with a start.

2. countableuncountableA slant or slope.

   The road up to the house had a steep inclination.

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   The gradients on the western part of the line are generally easy, although there is a rise at 1 in 55 before Manorbier, and a fall at the same inclination beyond that station.

   1959 October 28, H. A. Vallance, “The Pembroke & Tenby Railway”, in Railway Magazine, page 668

   Synonyms: incline, inclining, steepness

3. countableuncountableA tendency.

   His inclination to drink escalated to alcoholism.

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   It should be remembered, however, that [Sir Thomas] Lawrence, who was now in demand, was charging from eighty to a hundred guineas for even his smallest portraits, a sum which would have been far beyond the pocket or inclination of the canny North countryman [George Stephenson], who had little use for empty honours.

   1960 February 28, H. C. P. Smail, “New portrait of George Stephenson”, in Railway Magazine, page 93

   Synonyms: leaning, proclivity, propensity

4. countableuncountablegeometryThe angle of intersection of a reference plane.

   Artillery must take account of a weapon's precise inclination.

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   The astronomer calculated the inclination of the equator or ecliptic of Earth and the orbital planes of each visible heavenly body.

5. countableobsoleteuncountableA person or thing loved or admired.

   c. 1672-1679, William Temple, Memoirs you make will be a Discovery of your Inclinations

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   c. 1771, John Adams, speaking in a trial Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.