Proclivis

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Characterized by a slope or incline that is inclined downward; describing a physical surface that tends to be slanted toward a lower area; relating to a position or orientation that leans or tilts in a downward direction
2. Referring to a surface or structure that has a natural downward angle; indicating a disposition or tendency to lean or slope downwards; associated with the feature of being inclined towards a lower place or level
3. Denoting a downward-leaning or sloping condition; conveying the concept of a declining angle or gradient; pertaining to an orientation that directs attention or movement downward

Etymology: In Latin, "proclivis" was a physical description: a slope that runs steeply downward, the kind of ground you would tumble down rather than climb. It is built from "pro-", meaning forward or downward, and "clivus", a slope or hillside. The same hill-word stands behind the English pairs "declivity" (a downward slope) and "acclivity" (an upward one). English took the idea and turned it inward. The noun "proclivity" now means a natural inclination or tendency, as when someone has a proclivity for gambling. The metaphor is simple: a person who leans toward something behaves like ground that slopes toward it.

Synonyms: inclined, prone, disposed

Antonyms: averse, disinclined, unwilling