inclined, ppl. a.
(ɪnˈklaɪnd)
Also 4–6 en-.
[f. incline v. + -ed1.]
1. Having a direction leaning or falling away from the vertical or horizontal; sloping, slanting.
inclined plane, a material plane surface inclined at an acute angle to the horizon, constituting one of the mechanical powers.
| 1541 R. Copland Guydon's Quest. Chirurg., From the nether parte it [the heart] is enclyned a lytell towarde the left syde, to gyue place to the lyuer. 1710 J. Clarke Rohault's Nat. Phil. (1729) I. 87 The Force and the Weight will then support one another upon an inclined Plain. 1812–16 J. Smith Panorama Sc. & Art I. 316 The inclined plane is any flat surface which forms an angle less than a right angle, with the plane of the horizon. 1821 Craig Lect. Drawing vii. 401 Turning the plate slowly round..in a somewhat inclined direction. 1833 Lyell Princ. Geol. III. 174 Sets of inclined and horizontal layers of sand. 1878 M. Stokes Early Chr. Archit. Irel. 3 The ancient features of the horizontal lintel and inclined sides are preserved in the doorways. |
b. gen. Having a direction making an angle with something else (const. to; cf. inclination 4).
| 1813 Bakewell Introd. Geol. (1815) 58 The sides of mountains which are most inclined to the horizon. 1840 Lardner Geom. iv. 39 The sides of the triangle will be inclined to MN at the same angles as those at which they are inclined to its parallel A. |
2. Having a physical tendency (to something, or to do something): = disposed 5.
| c 1384 Chaucer H. Fame ii. 241 Every Ryver to the see Enclyned ys to goo by kynde. 1726 Leoni tr. Alberti's Archit. I. 65/1 The Winds are naturally enclined to follow the Sun. |
3. Having a mental bent, tendency, or propensity towards a particular object; favourably disposed; in the mood or mind for something: = disposed 4. a. Following its n.: Const. to or for something, to do something; also with adverb or adverbial phrase, as dishonestly inclined, that way inclined.
| 1390 Gower Conf. III. 179 Enclined to vertue or to vice. 1413 Pilgr. Sowle (Caxton 1483) iv. xxx. 78 He is enclyned to counceylle. 1548 Hall Chron., Hen. VIII 58 The kyng ever enclyned to mercy, sent theim apparell. 1596 Drayton Leg. iv. 173 Being besides industriously inclinde. 1603 Shakes. Meas. for M. iii. ii. 130 He was not enclin'd that way. 1651 Hobbes Leviath. i. viii. 38 A mans spirit, enclined to Godlinesse. 1703 De Foe in 15th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm. App. iv. 62 If you find him inclined to have compassion. 1754 Murphy Gray's-Inn Jrnl. No. 91 ¶1 Gentlemen that are inclined for Marriage. 1873 Black Pr. Thule vii, Ingram was now well inclined to the project. 1875 Jowett Plato (ed. 2) I. 162, I wish Protagoras either to ask or answer as he is inclined. Mod. I don't feel much inclined for work. |
b. In attributive construction; usually with preceding adverb, as well-inclined.
| 1561 T. Norton Calvin's Inst. i. 21 His fatherly bountie and enclined will to do good. 1619 Visct. Doncaster in Eng. & Germ. (Camden) 201 Inducements herunto strong inough to sway inclined mindes. 1710 Steele Tatler No. 207 ¶1 A well inclined young Man. |
† 4. Having a particular disposition, character, or nature. Obs. rare. (Cf. inclination 6 d.)
| 1583 Stubbes Anat. Abus. ii. (1882) 65 He that is borne vnder Cancer, shall be crabbed and angrie, bicause the crab fish is so inclined. 1616 Surfl. & Markh. Country Farme 28 He shall know how euerie moneth in the yeare will be enclined, by obseruing the inclination of the day of the Natiuitie, and of the Festiuall dayes following. |