Decline
/dɪˈklaɪn/noun
To decrease in quality, quantity, or strength.
Did you know?In Latin, the term 'declinare' meant to bend down or turn away, suggesting a spiritual or moral deterioration.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deḱleinā
“To lean or bend down.”
Latin
Latin
declinare
“To turn aside or bend down.”
Old French
Old French
decliner
“To refuse or reject.”
Middle English
Middle English
declinen
“To decline or fall away.”
Modern English
English
decline
“To deteriorate or diminish in quality or status.”