decline
//dɪˈklaɪn//
Verb
declineInfinitive
declinePresent tense
declinedPast tense
declinedPast participle
decliningPresent participle
declinesThird-person singular
1
to politely refuse an offer, invitation, or request
She politely declined the invitation to the party.
2
to gradually become smaller, weaker, or less in quality or quantity
Her health has been declining over the past few months.
3
to slope or move downward
The path declines steeply toward the valley.
Noun
1
a gradual decrease in quality, quantity, or strength
There has been a decline in the number of students studying foreign languages.
2
a downward slope or movement
The path follows a gentle decline toward the river.