decline
UK[dɪˈklaɪn]US[dɪˈklaɪn]
v
to become smaller, fewer, or weaker; to decrease
v
to politely refuse to accept or do something
n
a gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers, quality, or value
Morpheme Breakdown
de
cline
de
down
cline
to bend
Etymology
the word 'decline' originates from the latin verb 'declinare', which is a compound of the prefix 'de-', meaning 'down', and the verb 'clinare', meaning 'to bend'. this literal sense of 'bending down' was used metaphorically in latin to describe a turning away, a sinking, or a falling off from a former state. entering english via old french 'decliner', the term retained these figurative meanings, evolving to signify a downward movement in condition, quality, or quantity, as well as the act of politely 'bending away' from an offer or invitation.
Analysis
Structure: de (down) + cline (to bend)
de- (latin origin, prefix meaning 'down' or 'away'); -cline (from latin 'clinare', meaning 'to bend' or 'to lean')
Examples
the city's population began to decline after the main factory closed.
i had to decline the invitation due to a prior commitment.
there has been a sharp decline in the number of students studying modern languages.