decline

de-cline · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To politely refuse an offer, invitation, or request.

  2. 2.

    To decrease in quantity, importance, or quality.

  3. 3.

    To slope or bend downward.

  4. 4.

    (Grammar) To list the different forms of a noun, pronoun, or adjective.

  5. 5.

    A gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers, or value.

  6. 6.

    A downward slope.

Related words

Antonyms: accept, increase, rise
See also: declined, decrease, refuse
Synonyms: decrease, diminish, refuse, reject

Etymology

From Latin declinare meaning "to turn aside, bend down," composed of de- "down, away" and clinare "to bend." The refusal sense developed from the idea of turning away.