decliningly
|de-cli-ning-ly|
/dɪˈklaɪn/
(decline)
decrease or refuse
Etymology
'decliningly' originates from English, specifically from the present participle 'declining' combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'. The verb 'decline' in turn comes from Latin 'declinare', where 'de-' meant 'away, down' and 'clinare' meant 'to bend or lean'.
'decline' entered English via Latin 'declinare' (and Old French 'decliner') into Middle English as 'declinen/declinen' and evolved into modern English 'decline'; the adverbial form 'decliningly' is formed by adding '-ly' to the present participle 'declining'.
Initially, Latin 'declinare' meant 'to bend or turn aside'. Over time, meanings extended in English to include 'to refuse' and 'to grow smaller or weaker'; 'decliningly' now carries the senses of 'in a refusing manner' or 'in a diminishing manner'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that is becoming smaller, weaker, or less in amount or intensity; increasingly reduced.
The town was decliningly prosperous after the factories closed.
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Adverb 2
in a manner of refusing or turning down an offer; in a way that expresses refusal or reluctance.
When offered the promotion, she shook her head decliningly.
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Last updated: 2025/10/05 00:26