angle of inclination

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   The angle between a line, surface, or orbit and a fixed reference plane, usually horizontal.

   Grammar: Countable: use 'an angle of inclination' or 'the angle of inclination of something'.

   Patterns

   • the angle of inclination of something
   • an angle of inclination of X degrees

   The angle of inclination of the ramp is 20 degrees.

   Engineers measured the angle of inclination of the roof to calculate snow load.

   The telescope's mirror has a fixed angle of inclination.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   In astronomy, the tilt of an orbit or a planet's axis relative to a reference plane.

   Grammar: Often used with 'of' or 'relative to' to name the reference plane.

   Patterns

   • the angle of inclination of an orbit
   • angle of inclination relative to something

   The angle of inclination of the Moon's orbit to the ecliptic is about 5 degrees.

   Astronomers use the angle of inclination to determine whether a planet transits its star.

   A high angle of inclination means the satellite passes over the poles.

Common combinations

angle of inclination of

The angle of inclination of the beam must be adjusted.

measure the angle of inclination

Surveyors measure the angle of inclination with an inclinometer.

steep angle of inclination

A steep angle of inclination makes climbing difficult.

angle of inclination relative to

The angle of inclination relative to the horizontal is 45 degrees.

Synonyms and how they differ

inclination

Shorter and often used in technical contexts, but can also mean a tendency or preference.

tilt

More everyday and less precise; it suggests a slant rather than a measured angle.

slope

Refers to the steepness of a surface, not necessarily an angle in degrees.

Word family

incline verb

To slope or lean; also to persuade someone to do something.

inclined adjective

Sloping or leaning; also willing or likely.

Commonly confused: angle of inclination or angle of elevation?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “angle of inclination”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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