'inclination' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inclinatio,' where 'in-' meant 'toward' and 'clinare' meant 'to lean.'

'inclinatio' transformed into the Old French word 'inclinacion,' and eventually became the modern English word 'inclination' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a leaning or bending,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a tendency or preference.'