decline

Everyday

1. To decline is to say no politely to an offer or invitation. tree →
2. To decline is to become smaller, fewer or worse. tree →
3. A decline is a fall in amount, number or quality. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and graphs, a decline is a line going down: the numbers are getting smaller. In science and geography, «the population of bees is declining». In manners lessons, you can decline politely: «No, thank you». Phrases: «decline an invitation», «in decline», «a sharp decline», «decline in numbers».

Examples

• She politely declined the offer of a second cake. tree →
• The number of hedgehogs has declined. tree →
• The graph shows a decline in sales after March. tree →
• Grandpa's health declined over the winter. tree →
• He declined to answer the question. tree →
• The town fell into decline when the factory shut. tree →
• Thank you, but I must decline. tree →
• The Soldier drank, but only moderately, and declined to drink any more. tree →

Note

Opposites: «accept» (for invitations), «rise» / «increase» (for amounts). In maths problems «declined by 20» means it went down by 20 (subtract); «declined to 20» means the new amount is 20. A declining line on a graph slopes down from left to right.

In Jewish tradition

In the Tanakh it means to turn aside or stray from a path. Proverbs warns not to turn from wisdom.

Interpretation. The "path" is read as the way of God's commandments. Tradition teaches to walk the straight way without turning left or right.

Examples

• Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from Thy path; (Writings PSA.44.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• Get wisdom, get understanding; forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth; (Writings PRO.4.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• Let not thy heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. (Writings PRO.7.25, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Opposites: «accept» (for invitations), «rise» / «increase» (for amounts). In maths problems «declined by 20» means it went down by 20 (subtract); «declined to 20» means the new amount is 20. A declining line on a graph slopes down from left to right.