Meaning & use
decline
Last updated
To politely refuse an offer or invitation, or to gradually decrease in strength, quality, or quantity.
See it in a sentence
He decided to decline the job offer after considering the commute.
Sales have continued to decline over the past three quarters.
A note on using this word
Decline can mean either a polite refusal or a gradual decrease, and context usually makes clear which sense is intended.
Words with a similar meaning
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Words with an opposite meaning
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