inclination

an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

• “he had an inclination to give up too easily”
• “a tendency to be too strict”

(astronomy) the angle between the plane of the orbit and the plane of the ecliptic stated in degrees

(geometry) the angle formed by the x-axis and a given line (measured counterclockwise from the positive half of the x-axis)

(physics) the angle that a magnetic needle makes with the plane of the horizon

that toward which you are inclined to feel a liking

• “her inclination is for classical music”

the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical

• “the tower had a pronounced tilt”
• “the ship developed a list to starboard”
• “he walked with a heavy inclination to the right”

a characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect

• “the alkaline inclination of the local waters”
• “fabric with a tendency to shrink”

the act of inclining; bending forward

• “an inclination of his head indicated his agreement”