inclination inclination /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃən/

noun

1. () An attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others  ( disposition , inclination , tendency )
   an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
    He had an inclination to give up too easily
   he had an inclination to give up too easily
    A tendency to be too strict
   a tendency to be too strict
   
2. () (geometry) the angle formed by the x-axis and a given line (measured counterclockwise from the positive half of the x-axis)  ( angle of inclination , inclination )
   (geometry) the angle formed by the x-axis and a given line (measured counterclockwise from the positive half of the x-axis)
   
3. () (astronomy) the angle between the plane of the orbit and the plane of the ecliptic stated in degrees  ( inclination of an orbit , inclination )
   (astronomy) the angle between the plane of the orbit and the plane of the ecliptic stated in degrees
   
4. The act of inclining; bending forward  ( inclination , inclining )
   the act of inclining; bending forward
    An inclination of his head indicated his agreement
   an inclination of his head indicated his agreement
   
5. A characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect  ( inclination , tendency )
   a characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect
    The alkaline inclination of the local waters
   the alkaline inclination of the local waters
    Fabric with a tendency to shrink
   fabric with a tendency to shrink
   
6. The property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical  ( inclination , lean , leaning , list , tilt )
   the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical
    The tower had a pronounced tilt
   the tower had a pronounced tilt
    The ship developed a list to starboard
   the ship developed a list to starboard
    He walked with a heavy inclination to the right
   he walked with a heavy inclination to the right
   
   
7. That toward which you are inclined to feel a liking  ( inclination )
   that toward which you are inclined to feel a liking
    Her inclination is for classical music
   her inclination is for classical music
   
8. (physics) the angle that a magnetic needle makes with the plane of the horizon  ( angle of dip , dip , inclination , magnetic dip , magnetic inclination )
   (physics) the angle that a magnetic needle makes with the plane of the horizon