decline

B1
Pronunciation
/dɪˈklaɪn/
Noun
5 definition(s)
1 Definition

Downward movement, fall.

2 Definition

A sloping downward, e.g. of a hill or road.

3 Definition

A weakening.

4 Definition

A reduction or diminution of activity.

5 Definition

The act of declining or refusing something.

Verb
9 definition(s)
1 Definition

To move downwards, to fall, to drop.

Example Sentences
  • The dollar has declined rapidly since 2001.
2 Definition

To become weaker or worse.

Example Sentences
  • My health declined in winter.
3 Definition

To bend downward; to bring down; to depress; to cause to bend, or fall.

4 Definition

To cause to decrease or diminish.

5 Definition

To turn or bend aside; to deviate; to stray; to withdraw.

Example Sentences
  • a line that declines from straightness
6 Definition

To refuse, forbear.

Example Sentences
  • On reflection I think I will decline your generous offer.
7 Definition

(grammar, usually of substantives, adjectives and pronouns) To inflect for case, number and sometimes gender.

8 Definition

(by extension) To run through from first to last; to repeat like a schoolboy declining a noun.

9 Definition

To reject a penalty against the opposing team, usually because the result of accepting it would benefit the non-penalized team less than the preceding play.

Example Sentences
  • The team chose to decline the fifteen-yard penalty because their receiver had caught the ball for a thirty-yard gain.