Crossword Genius

School head inclined to be formal in conversation (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stilted

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'school head' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'inclined to be formal in conversation' is the wordplay.
'inclined' becomes 'tilted' (similar in meaning).
'to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (I've seen this in other clues).
'be formal in conversation' becomes 's' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'tilted' after 's' is 'STILTED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stilted that I've seen before include "Awkward" , "Bombastic (of speech, writing)" , "Stiff and pompous" , "Unnatural sounding and overformal" , "Stiff, self-conscious" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.