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Intermediate Dictionary        

de·cline

decline

 
 
pronunciation:
dih klaIn
parts of speech:
verb, noun
features:
Word Parts
part of speech: verb
inflections: declines, declining, declined
definition 1: to refuse to do, in a polite way.
He declined to accept the award because he felt he didn't deserve it.
synonyms:
refuse
similar words:
deny
definition 2: to grow weaker or smaller gradually.
My health is declining.The show's popularity has declined since one of the stars left.
synonyms:
abate, decrease, deteriorate, ebb, fail, fall, lessen, wane, weaken
antonyms:
blossom, thrive
similar words:
collapse, decay, diminish, dwindle, fade away, lag, slip, subside, taper, waste
definition 3: to slope or slant downward.
The road declines sharply here.
synonyms:
dip, fall, plunge, sink, slope
similar words:
slant
 
part of speech: noun
definition: a drop or loss.
Last year, there was a decline in the number of crimes.
synonyms:
deterioration, drop, loss
antonyms:
development, growth, rise
similar words:
decrease
derivations: declinable (adj.), decliner (n.)
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