inclinations
inclinations — noun
1. the preferences or natural tendencies that make someone more likely to choose, e
the preferences or natural tendencies that make someone more likely to choose, enjoy, or move toward certain things
Tamar's artistic inclinations grew stronger after weekends at the pottery studio.
inclinations toward a kind of activity
Christopher showed no inclinations to leave the family farm for city work.
inclinations to + verb
Sofie's political inclinations became clear during the student council debate.
The twins have opposite inclinations when the class must choose a project.
- preferences
more everyday and more direct about what someone likes better
- tendencies
broader and often describes repeated behavior, not just taste
- leanings
slightly informal and often used for opinions or politics
- disposition
more formal and often about someone's general character
- disinclinations
formal word for tendencies to avoid something
- aversions
stronger because it suggests active dislike
文法句型
have inclinations to do something
show inclinations toward something
natural inclinations toward + noun
用法筆記
This sense is often used in the plural when talking about a person's tastes or natural preferences. Inclinations to + verb usually points to possible actions, while inclinations toward + noun points to a subject, style, or attitude.
常見錯誤
2. small downward movements, especially slight bows of the head or body
small downward movements, especially slight bows of the head or body
The dancers ended the song with slow inclinations of their heads.
inclinations of the head
At the temple gate, visitors made brief inclinations before entering.
make inclinations in formal description
Yan answered the applause with two slight inclinations toward the crowd.
The old photograph shows courtiers making inclinations beside the queen's carriage.
文法句型
inclinations of the head
make slight inclinations
answer with an inclination
用法筆記
This sense is mostly found in formal or literary writing that describes bows or respectful body movement. In everyday English, people usually say nods or slight bows instead.
3. the angles or degrees of slope of lines, surfaces, or other objects
the angles or degrees of slope of lines, surfaces, or other objects
Engineers checked the inclinations of the bridge cables after the storm.
measure inclinations of a structure
The map marks the inclinations of the vineyard hills with red contour lines.
Saira compared the inclinations of both ramps before ordering new rails.
The survey report listed the inclinations of the mine shafts in degrees.
- levelness
describes the state of being flat or even
文法句型
measure inclinations
inclinations of a surface
compare inclinations of two ramps
用法筆記
This sense is mainly used in formal, technical, or written description of slopes. In everyday speech, slope or angle is usually more natural.