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Acclivity: meaning, definitions and examples

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acclivity

 

[ əˈklɪv.ɪ.ti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geographical feature

Acclivity refers to an upward slope or incline. It describes a part of the land that rises or a gradual ascent in terrain. Acclivities can be found in a variety of landscapes, from gentle hills to steep mountains. The term is often used in geography and environmental studies to discuss varying topographies.

Synonyms

ascent, hill, incline, rise, slope

Examples of usage

  • The acclivity made the hike more challenging.
  • We found a beautiful view at the top of the acclivity.
  • The acclivity led us to the summit of the hill.
  • The road followed the natural acclivity of the landscape.

Etymology

The word 'acclivity' comes from the Latin 'acclivitas', which derives from 'acclivis', meaning 'going up'. This Latin term combines 'ad-', a prefix meaning 'to' or 'toward', and 'clivus', meaning 'a slope or incline'. It has been in use in the English language since the late 16th century, primarily in geographical contexts to describe the upward slopes of landscapes. The concept of acclivity is essential in various fields, including geography, ecology, and even in architectural design, where the incline can impact water drainage and structural stability. Over time, the term has maintained its original connotation of upward movement, often contrasted with 'declivity', which denotes a downward slope.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,345, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.