Question

Which is NOT a synonym for ‘Incline’?

a. trenchant
b. slope
c. acclivity
d. gradient

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘incline’ refers to ‘be favourably disposed towards or willing to do something’ or ‘have a tendency to do something’.

Complete answer:
The word ‘incline’ can be used as a noun as well as a verb. As a verb it refers to the above given meaning, and as a noun, it means ‘an inclined surface or plane; a slope, especially on a road or railway’.
The word ‘incline’ can be used in a sentence as follows:
For example, in the sentence ‘he was inclined to accept the offer’, the word ‘inclined’ is a verb meaning ‘favourably disposed’. In the sentence ‘the road climbs a long incline through a forest’, the word ‘incline’ is a noun meaning a ‘sloping surface’.

Now, we know the meaning and usage of the word. Let’s look at our given options:

> Trenchant - The word ‘trenchant’ refers to ‘vigorous or incisive in expression or style'.This has a completely different meaning to the word ‘incline’. This is not a synonym for the given word. So, this is the correct option.

> Slope - The word ‘slope’ refers to ‘a surface of which one end or side is at a higher level than another'. This word has the exact same meaning as the noun form of ‘incline’. It is a synonym of the word. So, this is an incorrect option.

> Acclivity - The word ‘acclivity’ refers to ‘an upward slope'. This word has the exact same meaning as the given word. This is also a synonym of ‘incline’. So, this is an incorrect option.

> Gradient - The word ‘gradient’ refers to ‘an inclined part of a road or railway; a slope'. This word also has the same meaning as the word ‘incline’. This is a synonym of the given word. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note: Read the given question carefully, so as to avoid any mistakes. Choose the option that is not a synonym, i.e. a word which does not have a similar meaning to ‘incline’.