What does "declined" mean?

1. (to say no) politely refused an invitation or an offer. 2. (to decrease) became smaller, fewer, or less in quality. 3. (pointing downwards) pointing or bending downwards or to the side.

How do you use "declined"?

Often followed by a direct object or a 'to' infinitive. Commonly used with adverbs like 'sharply', 'steadily', or 'gradually'.

declined

v. · adj.

US //dɪˈkɫaɪnd// UK //dɪklˈaɪnd// de·clined

1 to say no (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

politely refused an invitation or an offer.

politely refused to accept an invitation, offer, or suggestion.

Example

She declined the job offer because the commute was too long.

Example

The ambassador declined the invitation to the gala, citing a prior engagement that required his presence in the capital.

Usage

Often followed by a direct object or a 'to' infinitive.
- refused
- rejected
- turned down
- accepted
2 to decrease (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

became smaller, fewer, or less in quality.

underwent a gradual decrease in number, value, strength, or quality.

Example

The number of butterflies in the garden declined over the summer.

Example

Standard of living in the region declined sharply following the closure of the primary manufacturing plant.

Usage

Commonly used with adverbs like 'sharply', 'steadily', or 'gradually'.
- increased
- improved

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3 pointing downwards (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

pointing or bending downwards or to the side.

directed or curved downward or obliquely. Used primarily in technical descriptions of plants or animal parts.

Example

The plant has declined leaves that hang toward the ground.

Example

The specimen is characterized by its declined stems, which distinguish it from other varieties in the same genus.

Teacher's tip

This is a highly specialized term in botany; in everyday English, people use 'drooping' or 'hanging'.
- drooping
- descending
- erect
- ascending