decline
word
/dɪˈkɫaɪn/
di-KLYN
/dɪklˈaɪn/
di-KLYN
Definition
To politely refuse something, or to become less in amount, importance, quality, or strength.
Usage & Nuances
Formal or neutral; to 'decline' an invitation (refuse politely), to 'decline in value/health' (become less/worse). Don’t confuse with 'deny' (strong refusal). Often used in business, academic, or medical contexts.
Spanish: rechazar - declinar - disminuirPortuguese (BR): recusar - declinar - diminuirPortuguese (PT): recusar - declinar - diminuirChinese (Simplified): 拒绝 - 下降 - 衰退Chinese (Traditional): 拒絕 - 下降 - 衰退Hindi: इनकार करना - गिरावट - कम होनाArabic: يرفض - ينخفض - يتدهورBengali: অস্বীকার করা - কমে যাওয়াRussian: отклони́ть - снижа́тьсяJapanese: 断る - 減少するVietnamese: từ chối - giảm sútKorean: 거절하다 - 감소하다Turkish: reddetmek - azalmakUrdu: انکار کرنا - کمی ہوناIndonesian: menolak - menurun
Example Sentences
The number of students declined last year.
basic
My grandfather's health has declined in recent months.
basic
I have to decline because I'm really busy this week.
natural
Sales have been declining since spring.
natural
He didn't want to offend anyone, so he declined as nicely as possible.
natural
She politely declined the invitation to dinner.
basic