neigen
Translation
to tend, to be inclined, to tilt, to slope
Examples
Er neigt zu Übertreibungen.
He tends to exaggerate.
Sie neigte den Kopf zur Seite.
She tilted her head to the side.
Der Vorrat neigt sich dem Ende zu.
The supply is running out.
Grammar Patterns
((to sth.)) to tend to sth. He neigt to jealousy.
((sth.)) to tilt sth. She neigte her head.
sich ((dem Ende zu)) to draw to a close The year neigt sich to its end.
Similar Words
Synonyms: tendieren (to tend); Antonyms: meiden (to avoid)
Etymology
From Old High German 'hneigan' (to bow, lean), related to English 'nigh' (near), suggesting a movement towards something.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'neck' ('Nacken') that 'neigt' (tilts). This physical action can help you remember the abstract meaning of 'tending' towards something.