Verb
/inkliˈnaɾ.se/
The verb "inclinarse" in Spanish means to bend forward or to lean in a particular direction. It can also imply a figurative sense of yielding or showing preference for something. The usage of "inclinarse" is quite versatile, appearing in both oral and written contexts, though it may be more prevalent in written language, especially in literary contexts or formal discussions.
Me incliné hacia adelante para ver mejor.
I leaned forward to see better.
Ella se inclinó al escuchar la música.
She inclined her head when she heard the music.
El profesor se inclinó por esta opción en lugar de la otra.
The professor inclined toward this option instead of the other one.
While "inclinarse" is not at the center of many idiomatic expressions, it often appears in phrases that convey leaning or preference.
This is often used metaphorically to discuss someone who is choosing a morally questionable path.
Se inclinó por la opción más popular.
He leaned towards the more popular option.
Indicating that someone is choosing the safer or more widely accepted choice.
Ella se inclina a favor de ayudar a los demás.
She leans in favor of helping others.
The word "inclinarse" comes from the Latin "inclinare," which means "to bend" or "to slope." The Latin root is composed of "in-" (in) and "clinare" (to lean), retaining a similar meaning in its evolution into Spanish.