Word
incline
Phoneticsin·cline, stress on the first syllable
/ˈɪnkɫaɪn/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a slope or a surface that is not flat. You use this word to describe a hill or a ramp that goes up or down.
n. an inclined surface, slope, or gradient. Refers to a physical deviation from the horizontal plane.
Examples
“The road has a steep incline that makes cycling difficult.”
“The architect designed a gentle incline at the entrance to ensure the building is fully accessible for wheelchair users.”
“The hikers struggled to maintain their pace as the narrow trail turned into a punishing incline near the mountain's summit.”
Examples
simple
“The road has a steep incline that makes cycling difficult.”
contextual
“The architect designed a gentle incline at the entrance to ensure the building is fully accessible for wheelchair users.”
complex
“The hikers struggled to maintain their pace as the narrow trail turned into a punishing incline near the mountain's summit.”
Usage
Often modified by adjectives such as 'steep', 'gentle', or 'slight'.
Real-World Examples
“I started slow, with a pace of 3mph and an incline of 5%, then built up from there, ending at 3.5mph and a 7% incline.” “Soap box derbies send motorless cars down a steep incline.” Etymology
From Middle English enclinen, from Old French encliner (modern incliner), from Latin inclīnō (“incline, tilt”), from in- + clīnō (compare -cline), from Proto-Indo-European *ḱley- (English lean).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/incline