noun
inclination
in-klih-NAY-shun/ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃn/
A leaning toward a particular direction.
The person shows an inclination toward painting by reaching for the brush.
Etymology
A physical bending or leaning becomes a mental leaning toward a choice or activity. Latin already used this image figuratively for tendency, bias, or favor.
In context
if someone were to express to us a desire to to work together to do something better my initial inclination is always yeah I will help
More examples
- My first inclination is to decline the invitation.
- He has little inclination for small talk.
- The ramp's slight inclination makes it easier to climb.
Forms
inclination · inclinations
incline verb — To lean, slope, or tend toward something.
Similar words
- tendency
- Emphasizes a recurring pattern rather than a personal preference.
- preference
- Emphasizes liking one option more than another.
- tilt
- Describes a physical lean away from a reference position.