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Declension: meaning, definitions and examples

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declension

 

[ dɪˈklɛnʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

grammar

The variation of the form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective, by which its grammatical case, number, and gender are identified.

Synonyms

inflection

Examples of usage

  • The declension of the Latin word 'puella' includes the forms 'puella' (nominative), 'puellam' (accusative), and 'puellae' (genitive).
  • Russian nouns have six declensions, each with different endings depending on the case.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

The falling off or away; a descent from a higher to a lower state or condition.

Synonyms

decline, downturn

Examples of usage

  • The declension of the Roman Empire was a gradual process over several centuries.
  • The declension of the economy led to widespread unemployment.

Translations

Translations of the word "declension" in other languages:

🇵🇹 declinação

🇮🇳 रूपांतरण

🇩🇪 Deklination

🇮🇩 deklinasi

🇺🇦 відмінювання

🇵🇱 deklinacja

🇯🇵 曲用 (きょくよう)

🇫🇷 déclinaison

🇪🇸 declinación

🇹🇷 çekim

🇰🇷 격변화

🇸🇦 إعراب

🇨🇿 skloňování

🇸🇰 skloňovanie

🇨🇳 变格 (biàngé)

🇸🇮 sklanjatev

🇮🇸 beyging

🇰🇿 септік жалғаулар

🇬🇪 დაცემა

🇦🇿 hal dəyişməsi

🇲🇽 declinación

Etymology

The word 'declension' comes from the Latin word 'declinatio', which means 'a leaning, an inflection, a variation'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to refer to the variation of the form of a word to express different grammatical categories. Over time, it has also been used in a broader sense to indicate a decline or descent, particularly in historical contexts.

See also: declination, decliner, declining.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,703, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.