IPA

Dictionary definition of decline

To refuse, reject, or say no to something.
"She will decline the invitation due to her tight schedule."

Detailed meaning of decline

It implies a deliberate decision to turn down an offer, invitation, or opportunity. When someone declines, they express a lack of willingness, interest, or agreement with the situation at hand. It can also denote a gradual decrease or a downward trend in quantity, quality, or importance. In such cases, "decline" signifies a gradual or continuous weakening or diminishing state. The verb can be applied to various contexts, including personal, social, and economic situations, where individuals or entities choose not to participate, accept, or continue with a particular course of action.

Example sentences of decline

1. She had to decline the invitation due to a prior commitment.
2. He decided to decline the job offer for personal reasons.
3. The athlete had to decline the sponsor's endorsement deal.
4. They politely decline the offer of a second helping.
5. She had to decline the loan application due to poor credit.
6. The committee decided to decline the proposal unanimously.

History and etymology of decline

The verb 'decline' has its origins in the Latin word 'declinare,' which is formed from 'de,' meaning 'down' or 'away from,' and 'clinare,' meaning 'to bend' or 'to incline.' In its earliest usage, 'declinare' denoted a physical bending or sloping downward, but over time, it took on metaphorical meanings, including the idea of turning away or refusing something. In English, 'decline' retained this sense of refusing or rejecting, conveying the notion of a polite or formal refusal when one says no to an offer, request, or invitation. The etymology of 'decline' thus reflects its historical development from a term associated with physical bending to one indicating the act of politely refusing or rejecting something.

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Further usage examples of decline

1. He had no choice but to decline the request for a loan.
2. The company had to decline the partnership due to conflicts.
3. They decided to decline the project because of its complexity.
4. She regretfully had to decline the wedding invitation.
5. He had to decline the promotion for family reasons.
6. The artist chose to decline the art gallery's representation.
7. The school had to decline enrollment due to space constraints.
8. They politely decline the offer to lead the fundraising campaign.
9. He had to decline the offer to become the team captain.
10. She decided to decline the request to be a bridesmaid.
11. The government decided to decline the proposal for tax cuts.
12. He politely declined the opportunity to join the board of directors.
13. She had to decline the role in the movie due to scheduling conflicts.
14. They chose to decline the sponsorship offer from the controversial company.
15. The company's profits began to decline after the market crash.
16. His health started to decline after he stopped exercising.
17. Politely decline the offer if it doesn't align with your values.
18. As the evening wore on, the guests' energy levels seemed to decline.
19. They saw a sharp decline in the number of customers during the winter.
20. Despite the numerous attempts to reach him, he continued to decline my calls.
21. The manager didn't decline my proposal outright, but he didn’t seem enthusiastic.
22. The doctor told him to decline any strenuous activity for a few weeks.
23. The population of the endangered species is in decline due to habitat loss.
24. The empire began to decline when internal conflicts started to tear it apart.
25. With the decline of physical media, many people now prefer streaming services.