inclinar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Verb (intransitive and transitive).

Phonetic Transcription

/inkliˈnaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To lean
• To tilt
• To bend
• To incline

Meaning and Usage

The verb "inclinar" means to lean, tilt, or bend towards a direction or side. It is used both in a physical context (e.g., leaning a body or an object) and in a metaphorical sense (e.g., inclining towards a belief or idea). The term is commonly used in both written and oral Spanish, with a slight preference for written contexts in formal usage, especially in legal and nautical domains.

Example Sentences

1. "Ella decidió inclinarse un poco para escuchar mejor."
   "She decided to lean a little to listen better."

2. "El barco comenzó a inclinarse cuando las olas se hicieron más fuertes."
   "The boat began to tilt when the waves became stronger."

3. "Es importante inclinarse hacia la verdad cuando se presentan diferentes opiniones."
   "It is important to lean towards the truth when different opinions are presented."

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "inclinar" is often used in idiomatic expressions that convey nuanced meanings or cultural significance:

1. "Inclinarse ante alguien o algo."
2. Translation: "To lean towards someone or something."

3. Example: "Debemos inclinarnos ante la experiencia de quienes han estado en esta situación antes."
   "We should lean towards the experience of those who have been in this situation before."

4. "Inclinación a."

5. Translation: "Inclination to."

6. Example: "Su inclinación a procrastinar le ha costado muchas oportunidades."
   "His inclination to procrastinate has cost him many opportunities."

7. "Inclinar la balanza."

8. Translation: "To tip the balance."

9. Example: "Un buen argumento puede inclinar la balanza a tu favor en una discusión."
   "A good argument can tip the balance in your favor in a discussion."

10. "No inclinarse por un lado."

11. Translation: "Not to lean towards one side."
12. Example: "Es mejor no inclinarse por un lado en este debate."
    "It's better not to lean towards one side in this debate."

Etymology

The word "inclinar" derives from the Latin "inclinare," which means "to bend" or "to lean." The Latin term itself is formed from the prefix "in-" (meaning towards) and "clinare" (to incline or to lean).

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:
• Inclinarse (to bend)
• Doblar (to bend or fold)

• Tender (to stretch)

• Antonyms:

• Enderezar (to straighten)
• Levantar (to lift)
• Erguir (to rise or stand upright)