Tendency or inclination (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: LEANING (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Tendency or inclination" with 7 letters is "LEANING".Leaning refers to a tendency or inclination toward a particular attitude, belief, or action. It can describe both a physical tilt or slant, as well as a metaphorical predisposition, such as someone having a leaning toward a specific interest or viewpoint.
Why “Leaning” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning “tendency or inclination.” The answer, LEANING, fits perfectly:
- Tendency or inclination: Leaning refers to a natural or habitual inclination, preference, or tendency toward something — exactly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With seven letters, leaning fits the enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The word conveys a subtle or strong predisposition—whether intellectual, emotional, or behavioural—making it a seamless fit for the clue’s context.
The word leaning elegantly bridges literal and figurative meanings in English usage:
- Origin and usage: Derived from the Old English hlinian (“to incline or rest against”), leaning maintains the same sense of direction or support.
- By the 16th century, it had expanded metaphorically to mean “a mental or emotional inclination.”
- Literal sense: Physical tilting or resting in a direction — “The tower is leaning to one side.”
- Figurative sense: A personal preference or ideological tendency — “He has a leaning toward classical music.”
Common contexts:
- Beliefs: “Her political leanings are progressive.”
- Personality: “He showed a leaning for the arts over science.”
- Decision-making: “She was leaning toward taking the new job offer.”
Examples:
- “His leaning toward independent thought made him stand out.”
- “The painting had a leaning for bold, experimental colour.”
- “He revealed a leaning towards minimalism in design.”
In quick crosswords like “Tendency or inclination (7),” clues often play on familiar synonyms drawn from everyday vocabulary:
- Definition clue: Both “tendency” and “inclination” are straightforward definitions leading directly to leaning.
- Clue type: Pure definition — no wordplay, suitable for quick crosswords emphasizing clarity.
Solving tip:
- Look for synonyms of “preference,” “bent,” or “bias.”
- Among these, leaning stands out as the clearest and most idiomatic option for a 7-letter answer.
Pattern note: Crosswords frequently use “tendency,” “inclination,” or “preference” to hint at leaning, bent, or bias, depending on the enumeration.
