Incline vs. Recline — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 29, 2024
Incline refers to a slope or tilt upwards, while recline means to lean back or lie down.
Difference Between Incline and Recline
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Incline is primarily associated with an upward slope or tilt, suggesting movement or orientation towards a higher point. It can be used to describe physical objects or surfaces that are angled upwards, or it can imply a figurative inclination towards an idea or tendency. For example, a road may incline as it goes up a hill, or a person may be inclined to agree with a certain viewpoint. Recline, on the other hand, involves leaning back or lying down, often in a posture of relaxation or rest. It is commonly used to describe the action of moving into a more horizontal position, such as reclining a seat back or oneself on a bed or couch. Reclining implies a movement away from an upright position towards one that is more laid back, typically associated with comfort or rest.
While incline suggests an upward movement or tilt and can imply a propensity or tendency towards something, recline is about moving into a relaxed, lying down, or leaned-back position. These actions indicate opposite directions of movement: one upwards or forwards and the other backwards or downwards.
Incline can also denote a gentle rise in terrain or an object, emphasizing the physical aspect of upward movement. Recline, conversely, emphasizes a shift towards a horizontal or more restful position, often with the intent of achieving comfort or relaxation.
Inclination and reclining serve different purposes and contexts, with the former often related to physical or metaphorical ascent, and the latter to relaxation and comfort. While an inclined plane facilitates movement or supports an upward orientation, a reclined position supports rest and a lower physical profile.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A slope or angle upward; to tilt upwards.
To lean back or lie down; moving towards a horizontal position.
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Physical Orientation
Upwards or forward tilt.
Backwards or downwards into a more horizontal or resting position.
Purpose
Facilitates ascent or indicates a tendency.
Aids in relaxation or rest.
Usage Context
Physical slopes, tendencies, or preferences.
Resting, sleeping, or sitting back in comfort.
Associated Actions
Walking up an incline, inclined plane in physics.
Reclining a chair, lying down for rest.
Compare with Definitions
Incline
A slope or surface that tilts upwards.
The incline of the hill was steep, but the view from the top was worth it.
Recline
To adjust a seat or backrest into a more horizontal position.
He reclined his seat to take a nap during the flight.
Incline
To feel disposed towards something.
She was inclined to accept the offer after hearing the terms.
Recline
Lying down, especially in comfort.
The beach chairs were perfect for reclining and enjoying the sun.
Incline
To bend or lean forwards or to one side.
He inclined his head in acknowledgement.
Recline
To lean back in a resting position.
After dinner, she reclined on the sofa to watch her favorite show.
Incline
A tendency or preference.
His incline towards minimalist art is evident in his work.
Recline
A movement towards a horizontal position.
The mechanism allows the chair to recline smoothly.
Incline
An upward tilt or angle.
The engineer designed the road with a slight incline to manage water runoff.
Recline
To rest in a leaned-back posture.
Reclining under the shade of the tree, he read his book in peace.
Incline
To cause (someone) to have a certain tendency
Dispose.
Recline
To lean back or lie down on one's back.
Incline
To dispose (someone) to have a certain preference or opinion or to take a course of action
I'm inclined to agree with you. Are you inclined to go to out tonight?.
Recline
To be adjustable so that the occupant may recline rather than sit up
A seat that reclines.
Incline
To cause to lean, slant, or slope
"Galileo ... inclined the plane and rolled brass balls down it" (George Johnson).
Recline
To cause to recline.
Incline
To bend or lower in a nod or bow
I inclined my head in acquiescence.
Recline
(transitive) To cause to lean back; to bend back.
Incline
To be disposed to a certain preference, opinion, or course of action
Some researchers incline toward a different view of the problem.
Recline
(transitive) To put in a resting position.
She reclined her arms on the table and sighed.
Incline
To deviate from the horizontal or vertical; slant
When the path inclined steeply, it became difficult to continue hiking.
Recline
(intransitive) To lean back.
To recline against a wall
Incline
To lower or bend the head or body, as in a nod or bow.
Recline
(intransitive) To put oneself in a resting position.
To recline on a couch
Incline
An inclined surface; a slope or gradient
The car rolled down the incline.
Recline
A mechanism for lowering the back of a seat to support a less upright position; Also, the action of lowering the back using such a mechanism.
Incline
(transitive) To bend or move (something) out of a given plane or direction, often the horizontal or vertical.
He had to incline his body against the gusts to avoid being blown down in the storm.
The people following the coffin inclined their heads in grief.
Recline
To cause or permit to lean, incline, rest, etc.; to place in a recumbent position; as, to recline the head on the hand.
The motherReclined her dying head upon his breast.
Incline
(intransitive) To slope.
Over the centuries the wind made the walls of the farmhouse incline.
Recline
To lean or incline; as, to recline against a wall.
Incline
To tend to do or believe something, or move or be moved in a certain direction, away from a point of view, attitude, etc.
He inclines to believe anything he reads in the newspapers.
I'm inclined to give up smoking after hearing of the risks to my health.
Recline
To assume, or to be in, a recumbent position; as, to recline on a couch.
Incline
A slope.
To reach the building, we had to climb a steep incline.
Recline
Having a reclining posture; leaning; reclining.
They sat, reclineOn the soft downy bank, damasked with flowers.
Incline
A portal of a subway tunnel.
Recline
Move the upper body backwards and down
Incline
To deviate from a line, direction, or course, toward an object; to lean; to tend; as, converging lines incline toward each other; a road inclines to the north or south.
Recline
Cause to recline;
She reclined her head on the pillow
Incline
Fig.: To lean or tend, in an intellectual or moral sense; to favor an opinion, a course of conduct, or a person; to have a propensity or inclination; to be disposed.
Their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech.
Power finds its balance, giddy motions ceaseIn both the scales, and each inclines to peace.
Recline
Lean in a comfortable resting position;
He was reposing on the couch
Incline
To bow; to incline the head.
Incline
To cause to deviate from a line, position, or direction; to give a leaning, bend, or slope to; as, incline the column or post to the east; incline your head to the right.
Incline thine ear, O Lord, and hear.
Incline
To impart a tendency or propensity to, as to the will or affections; to turn; to dispose; to influence.
Incline my heart unto thy testimonies.
Incline our hearts to keep this law.
Incline
To bend; to cause to stoop or bow; as, to incline the head or the body in acts of reverence or civility.
With due respect my body I inclined.
Incline
An inclined plane; an ascent or descent; a grade or gradient; a slope.
Incline
An elevated geological formation;
He climbed the steep slope
The house was built on the side of the mountain
Incline
An inclined surface or roadway that moves traffic from one level to another
Incline
Have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined;
She tends to be nervous before her lectures
These dresses run small
He inclined to corpulence
Incline
Bend or turn (one's ear) towards a speaker in order to listen well;
He inclined his ear to the wise old man
Incline
Lower or bend (the head or upper body), as in a nod or bow;
She inclined her head to the student
Incline
Be at an angle;
The terrain sloped down
Incline
Make receptive or willing towards an action or attitude or belief;
Their language inclines us to believe them
Common Curiosities
Can all chairs recline?
Not all chairs are designed to recline; some are fixed in an upright position, while others have adjustable backrests.
What does it mean to incline?
To incline means to tilt or slope upwards, or to feel a preference or tendency towards something.
Is an incline the same as a hill?
An incline refers to any upward slope or tilt, which can be part of a hill, but hills have more natural, varying gradients.
What does recline mean?
Recline refers to the action of leaning back or lying down, often to rest or relax.
Why do airplane seats recline?
Airplane seats recline to provide passengers with options for comfort and rest during flights, especially on longer journeys.
Do I need to recline when sleeping?
While reclining is not mandatory for sleep, it can provide comfort and support for a restful position, especially in adjustable beds or chairs.
Can all sofas recline?
Like chairs, not all sofas are designed to recline; some have fixed positions, while others have reclining features.
How do I adjust a reclining chair?
Reclining chairs typically have levers, knobs, or buttons that allow you to adjust the angle of the backrest.
Can reclining too much be harmful?
Excessive reclining, especially in poor postures, can lead to discomfort or back issues over time.
What is an incline bench press?
An incline bench press is a variation of the standard bench press exercise where the bench is set to an incline, targeting the upper chest muscles.
How do you measure an incline?
An incline is usually measured in degrees from the horizontal or as a percentage representing the rise over run.
Is walking on an incline good for health?
Walking on an incline increases the intensity of the workout, improving cardiovascular health and strengthening leg muscles.
What is the purpose of an incline plane in physics?
An inclined plane is a simple machine that reduces the force needed to lift an object by spreading the work over a longer distance.
Is it better to walk on an incline or flat surface?
Both have benefits; walking on an incline increases intensity and muscle engagement, while flat surfaces are better for longer, less strenuous walks.
What's the difference between incline and decline?
Incline refers to an upward slope, while decline refers to a downward slope.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
