Word
declined
Phoneticsde·clined, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈkɫaɪnd/
UK/dɪklˈaɪnd/
Definitions
01to say no
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. politely refused an invitation or an offer.
v. politely refused to accept an invitation, offer, or suggestion.
“She declined the job offer because the commute was too long.”
“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.
Antonyms
02to decrease
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. became smaller, fewer, or less in quality.
v. underwent a gradual decrease in number, value, strength, or quality.
“The number of butterflies in the garden declined over the summer.”
“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'.
Synonyms
03pointing downwards
C2 · Proficiency Science Technical
adj. pointing or bending downwards or to the side.
adj. directed or curved downward or obliquely. Used primarily in technical descriptions of plants or animal parts.
“The plant has declined leaves that hang toward the ground.”
“The specimen is characterized by its declined stems, which distinguish it from other varieties in the same genus.”
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialized term in botany; in everyday English, people use 'drooping' or 'hanging'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The Polish striker’s scoring declined to 19 and 21 goals in the last two campaigns compared to 42 in the season before.” “DHS spokespeople did not respond to inquiries and the DoJ declined to comment.” “Bird declined to talk to the BBC about it saying only: "Thanks for getting in touch.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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