French Conversation · Level 134
30 words
French word
incliner
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛ̃kline/
Meaning
- verbtilt
Example
Il incline la tête pour écouter.
He tilted his head to listen.
More examples
Un petit avantage a incliné la balance en sa faveur.
A small advantage tipped the balance in his favor.
Core concept
A force shifts something off the vertical, and the same directional shift can express a tendency toward an action or view.
Common phrases
incliner la tête
tilt one's head
incliner la balance
tip the balance
incliner quelqu'un à faire quelque chose
incline someone to do something
Similar words
pencher: To slant an object or part of the body at an angle.
baisser: To lower an object or part of the body in height or position.
tourner: To turn an object or part of the body to change its direction.
Definition in French
Faire pencher quelque chose ou quelqu'un dans une direction; s'emploie aussi pour exprimer une tendance, par exemple être incliné à faire quelque chose.
Word origin
The French verb continues Latin inclinare, whose meaning of bending or leaning developed into the figurative sense of showing a tendency.
Usage tips
- Être incliné à + infinitive expresses a tendency but sounds more formal than avoir tendance à + infinitive in everyday French.