disincline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal
Quick answer
What does “disincline” mean?
to make someone unwilling or reluctant to do something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to make someone unwilling or reluctant to do something
to cause a lack of enthusiasm or inclination; to create aversion or resistance toward an action or idea
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the word similarly, but it is slightly more common in British English. The adjective 'disinclined' is more frequent than the verb in both.
Connotations
Formal, slightly old-fashioned in both varieties. Carries a tone of polite refusal or considered opposition.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties; primarily found in formal writing, legal contexts, and educated speech.
Grammar
How to Use “disincline” in a Sentence
disincline someone to do somethingbe disinclined to do somethingdisincline someone from doing somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disincline” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- His prior experience disinclined him to trust the new management.
- The weather disinclined us from having a picnic.
American English
- The high cost disinclines many students from studying abroad.
- Her tone disinclined me to argue further.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
American English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
adjective
British English
- She was disinclined to comment on the rumours.
- I feel disinclined to attend another lengthy meeting.
American English
- He is disinclined to believe their promises.
- The committee seemed disinclined to change the policy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in formal reports or meetings to indicate reluctance about a proposal: 'The board is disinclined to approve further investment.'
Academic
Found in philosophical or political texts discussing will and preference: 'The evidence disinclines us to accept the earlier hypothesis.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; might appear in careful speech: 'I'm disinclined to lend him more money.'
Technical
Occasionally in legal or medical writing to indicate a reasoned refusal or contraindication.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disincline”
- Using 'disincline' without 'to' + infinitive (e.g., 'It disinclined me going' instead of 'It disinclined me to go').
- Confusing with 'decline' (to refuse politely).
- Using in overly casual contexts where 'don't want to' or 'not keen on' would be natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. The adjective 'disinclined' is more commonly encountered than the verb 'disincline'.
'Disincline' suggests making someone personally unwilling or reluctant, often based on reason or temperament. 'Discourage' is broader and stronger, often involving active dissuasion or dampening of enthusiasm.
Yes, but it's rare (e.g., 'The risk disinclines investment'). The passive construction 'be disinclined to do something' is far more frequent.
The standard pattern is 'disinclined to do something' (with infinitive). The construction 'disinclined from doing something' is also possible but less common.
to make someone unwilling or reluctant to do something.
Disincline is usually formal in register.
Disincline: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪs.ɪnˈklaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪs.ɪnˈklaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “nothing loath, but somewhat disinclined”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS + INCLINE. If an INCLINE is a slope you want to climb, DISINCLINE is when you don't want to climb it.
Conceptual Metaphor
WILLINGNESS IS PHYSICAL LEANING (to be inclined = to lean toward; disinclined = leaning away)
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'disinclined' correctly?