verb · B2 · Often · both

decline

decline

Meaning of decline

refuse politely

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How important is this word
B2Often

Useful for a confident vocabulary.

Pronunciation
EN-UK/dɪˈklaɪn/
EN-US/tə dɪˈklaɪn/
decline
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decline with Russian translation

decline usage examples

🇮🇩ID🇬🇧EN

Hiring managers may decline applications that don't match the role.

🇮🇩ID🇬🇧EN

I had to decline the job offer because the hours were wrong.

Learn by topic

decline belongs to the topic "Interview and Resume". Start with a short 7-word set so the word is easier to remember in context.

declinemenolak
studentmahasiswa
examujian
homeworkpekerjaan rumah
answer questionsmenjawab pertanyaan
ask questionsmengajukan pertanyaan
deskmeja kerja

decline synonyms

Related words worth learning together

turn down
informal to neutral; commonly used to say no to offers or invitations
reject
neutral/formal; to refuse to accept, consider, or approve something — common for applications, proposals, ideas
refuse
direct verb meaning to say no to a request or offer; can be firmer than 'decline' in tone
deny
can mean to refuse a request or to state that something is not true (deny an allegation); often used in legal or factual contexts
dismiss
formal; to refuse to consider something seriously, to reject an idea, or to remove someone from a position
Learn 5 related words for free
🇬🇧en

informal to neutral; commonly used to say no to offers or invitations

B2Very Often

She turned down the invitation to the conference.

🇬🇧en

neutral/formal; to refuse to accept, consider, or approve something — common for applications, proposals, ideas

B2Very Often

The committee rejected his application.

🇬🇧en

direct verb meaning to say no to a request or offer; can be firmer than 'decline' in tone

B2Very Often

He refused to sign the contract.

🇬🇧en

can mean to refuse a request or to state that something is not true (deny an allegation); often used in legal or factual contexts

B2Often

The company denied his request for reimbursement. / He denied the allegation.

🇬🇧en

formal; to refuse to consider something seriously, to reject an idea, or to remove someone from a position

C1Often

The judge dismissed the case. / The manager dismissed her concerns.

S
🇬🇧en
spurn

literary/strongly negative; to reject with disdain or scorn

C2Rarely

She spurned his attempts at reconciliation.

P
🇬🇧en
pass up

informal; to decline or not take advantage of an opportunity

B2Often

I couldn't pass up the chance to work abroad.

T
🇬🇧en
turn away

often literal (refuse entry) or figurative (refuse to accept someone or something)

B2Often

The shelter had to turn away several refugees due to lack of space.

What’s the difference

Related words and lists for decline

Questions about this word

decline meaning: what does it mean?

refuse politely

decline pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?

decline is pronounced as /dɪˈklaɪn/. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.

decline definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?

Hiring managers may decline applications that don't match the role. Translation: Менеджеры по найму могут отклонять заявки, которые не подходят для роли.

Is decline part of Interview and Resume vocabulary?

Yes, decline can be learned in the Interview and Resume topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.

Is decline part of Study and Work vocabulary?

Yes, decline can be learned in the Study and Work topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.

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