adjective

geneigt

inclined · incline

bereit oder eher dazu neigend, etwas zu tun oder zu glauben

Definition & meaning

geneigt is an adjective and the past participle of neigen. Its meaning depends on context:

Physically inclined, tilted, or sloping
It describes something that is not horizontal or vertical but leans at an angle.
- eine geneigte Fläche — an inclined or sloping surface
- Der Pfosten ist leicht geneigt. — The post is slightly tilted.
Inclined, disposed, or willing to do something
It describes a person’s tendency or willingness to act in a certain way. It is often used with sein and zu:
- Er ist dazu geneigt, schnell aufzugeben. — He is inclined to give up quickly.
- Sie ist nicht geneigt, ihre Meinung zu ändern. — She is not inclined to change her opinion.
Favorable or well-disposed, usually in formal or somewhat old-fashioned language
- die geneigten Leser — the esteemed/favorable readers
- das geneigte Publikum — the attentive or appreciative audience

Grammar & Word origin

geneigt can function as:

an adjective: eine geneigte Fläche — an inclined surface
part of a verb construction: zu etwas geneigt sein — to be inclined to something
the past participle of neigen : Der Baum hat sich zur Seite geneigt. — The tree leaned to one side.

It is formed from the verb stem of neigen with the past-participle ending -t and the participle prefix ge-:

neigen → geneigt

The verb neigen is related to the idea of bending, leaning, or directing something toward a particular side. In the figurative sense, this developed into the meaning “to have a tendency or inclination.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

schräg — slanted or diagonal; mainly describes a physical angle and is less suitable for a person’s willingness.
geneigt sein — to be inclined or disposed; the standard expression for a tendency or willingness.
bereit — ready or willing; stronger than geneigt, because it usually suggests actual readiness to act.
willig — willing or compliant; often focuses more directly on obedience or willingness.
tendieren — to tend toward something; more formal and often used for general tendencies or developments.
zugeneigt — favorably disposed or affectionate toward someone; more interpersonal and positive than the neutral geneigt.

Antonyms

abgeneigt — disinclined or opposed; the closest direct opposite when describing a person’s attitude.
unwillig — unwilling or reluctant; emphasizes a lack of willingness.
senkrecht — vertical; an opposite of geneigt only when geneigt describes a physical angle.
waagerecht — horizontal; also an opposite in the physical sense.

Common phrases & collocations

zu etwas geneigt sein — to be inclined to something
dazu geneigt sein, etwas zu tun — to be inclined to do something
leicht geneigt — slightly inclined or tilted
stark geneigt — steeply inclined
eine geneigte Ebene — an inclined plane
geneigte Leser — esteemed or attentive readers; formal and somewhat old-fashioned
nicht geneigt sein, etwas zu tun — not to be inclined or willing to do something