recline
UK[rɪˈklaɪn]US[rɪˈklaɪn]
v
to lean or lie back in a relaxed position with the back supported.
v
(of a seat) to have a back that can be adjusted so the user can lean back.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
cline
re
again/back
cline
to lean
Etymology
the word recline originates from the latin verb reclinare, a compound of the prefix re-, meaning "back," and the verb clinare, "to lean or bend." this latin root clinare itself descends from the proto-indo-european root klei-, meaning "to lean." the literal sense of "leaning back" has been preserved throughout its journey into english via old french. the modern abstract meaning retains this core logic, describing the action of positioning oneself in a resting posture by leaning the body backwards.
Analysis
Structure: re (again/back) + cline (to lean)
re- (latin prefix meaning "back" or "again"); -cline (from latin clinare, meaning "to lean, bend")
Examples
she decided to recline on the sofa and read a book.
the passenger can recline the seat for more comfort during the long flight.
the dentist's chair reclines to a nearly horizontal position.