decline
Pronunciation: [dɪˈklaɪn]
Context: "change"
(verb) to become less in number or amount. It’s like when fewer kids show up to play at the park as time goes on.
Example
The number of visitors to the museum has declined this year due to the weather.
Example
The amount of candy in the jar did not decline because everyone was still eating it.
Example
Why did the sales decline in the last few months?
Context: "refusal"
(verb) to say no to something. Imagine if someone asks you to play a game and you just don’t want to; that’s declining their offer.
Example
She decided to decline the invitation to the party because she had other plans.
Example
He did not decline the offer to join the soccer team and excitedly accepted it.
Example
Did you decline the chance to go on the field trip?
Context: "change"
(noun) a decrease in something. Like when the number of blooms on a plant is fewer than before; that’s a decline.
Example
There was a noticeable decline in the population of certain fish in the river last year.
Example
There was not a decline in the number of students attending the school; it remained steady.
Example
What caused the decline in temperatures during the winter?
Context: "refusal"
(noun) the act of saying no. If you don't want to go to a friend's birthday party, your decline is your way of saying you won't go.
Example
Her decline of the job offer surprised everyone at the meeting.
Example
His acceptance of the position was not a decline; he was very happy to take it.
Example
What was the reason for her decline to participate in the competition?