Declension: meaning, definitions and examples

Same as the previous. This appears to be a duplicate entry and should include just one explanation.

Use 'inflection' when referring to the general modification of a word to express different grammatical features such as tense, mood, voice (for verbs), and case, number, or gender (for nouns, pronouns, and adjectives). It’s broader and can be applied to any part of speech.

• The inflection of verbs in English isn’t as complex as in other languages.
• She explained how the inflection of pronouns can change their forms in different sentences.

This term is primarily used in the context of linguistics to refer to the way nouns, pronouns, adjectives, etc., change form to indicate grammatical categories such as case, number, and gender.

• The declension of Latin nouns follows specific patterns based on their endings.
• Understanding the declension systems of foreign languages can be challenging for beginners.

This word can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a decrease or reduction in something, such as quality, quantity, or importance. It is often associated with a negative connotation when talking about health, business, or social issues.

• The decline in sales this quarter is worrying the company executives.
• Her health began to decline after the surgery.

This term is commonly used in an economic or business context to refer to a period when something such as the economy or a market experiences a decrease in activity and performance.

• The country is experiencing an economic downturn due to recent political instability.
• During the downturn, many companies had to lay off employees to cut costs.