incline

/ɪnˈklaɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈklaɪn/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈklīn/ (ame, mw) · /ˈɪn.klaɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪn.klaɪn/ (ame, ipa)

incline — 動詞

  • inclinepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • inclineshe / she / it
  • inclinedpast simple
  • inclining-ing form

1. to be drawn toward a particular opinion, feeling, or action, or to create that t

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

傾向；使傾向

思想上傾向於某觀點或行為

to be drawn toward a particular opinion, feeling, or action, or to create that tendency in another person

例句

Maja inclined toward accepting the job offer after learning about the flexible hours.

Maja 在得知工作時間彈性後，便傾向於接受這份工作。

incline toward + gerund for tendency

Pedro's past success inclined the committee to trust him with the new project.

Pedro 過去的成功使委員會傾向於信任他來負責新專案。

transitive: incline + object + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • tend

    simpler and more common; no implication of influence from outside

  • lean

    slightly less formal, often used in 'lean toward' for opinions

  • be disposed

    more formal, suggests a pre-existing mental state rather than a developing one

  • predispose

    stronger, implies a biological or prior experience as the cause

反義詞
  • deter

    to discourage someone from an action or belief

文法句型

be inclined + to-infinitive

incline + to/toward + noun

用法筆記

Frequently passive: the past participle 'inclined' acts almost like an adjective ('I am inclined to agree'). The active intransitive form ('He inclines toward…') is more formal and less common in speech.

常見錯誤

❌I incline to go home early.
✅I am inclined to go home early.
💡'incline' as an active verb is rarely used for personal preferences in everyday English; the passive form is the natural choice.
❌The weather inclined me for staying inside.
✅The weather inclined me to stay inside.
💡use a to-infinitive, not 'for + gerund'.

2. to be positioned at an angle rather than flat or upright, or to place something

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

傾斜

物體或地面呈一定角度

to be positioned at an angle rather than flat or upright, or to place something in such a sloping position

例句

The old bookshelf inclined slightly to the left, making the top row look crooked.

舊書櫃稍微向左傾斜，導致最上層的書看起來歪歪的。

intransitive: incline + direction

The architect inclined the glass roof at exactly fifteen degrees for better drainage.

建築師將玻璃屋頂傾斜了十五度，以便更好地排水。

transitive: incline + object + at [angle]

同義詞
  • slope

    more common in everyday language for surfaces and terrain

  • slant

    suggests a diagonal line or surface, often less gradual than incline

  • tilt

    implies one side is raised or lowered, often used for objects rather than land

  • lean

    common for objects resting against something; more informal than incline

反義詞
  • level

    to make flat or even

文法句型

incline + [direction/preposition]

inclined + noun phrase

用法筆記

More formal than 'lean' or 'slope' for physical position. 'The road slopes' is everyday English; 'the road inclines' is more technical or literary. Common in descriptions of architecture and geography.

常見錯誤

❌The hill inclines to the river.' (vague)
✅The hill inclines gently toward the river.
💡add an adverb such as 'gently' or 'steeply' for clarity.

3. to move your face and upper body forward and downward to show polite attention,

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

低頭；欠身

向前彎腰或低頭表示同意或敬意

to move your face and upper body forward and downward to show polite attention, agreement, or respect

例句

Selim inclined his head to thank the priest as he received the blessing.

Selim 低下頭向神父道謝，接受祝福。

formal context: inclined his head + to-infinitive

Sirin inclined her head slightly to show she had understood the instructions.

Sirin 微微低下頭，表示她已經理解了指示。

showing understanding non-verbally

同義詞
  • bow

    a more pronounced whole-body gesture; less subtle than incline

  • nod

    lighter and more common; just a quick dip of the head

  • bend forward

    more literal, less associated with ceremonial meaning

文法句型

incline + [head/body] + [direction/preposition]

用法筆記

Almost exclusively takes 'head' or 'body' as the direct object. 'Incline one's head' is a formal alternative to 'nod' — the latter is preferred in casual conversation. Unlike 'bow', which involves the whole upper body, 'incline' usually describes a smaller, more subtle movement.

常見錯誤

❌She inclined at the end of the song.' (missing object)
✅She inclined her head at the end of the song.
💡this sense always needs a direct object stating what body part is bent.

incline — 名詞