declination
/ˌdek.lɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdek.ləˈneɪ.ʃən/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌde-klə-ˈnā-shən/ (ame, mw)
declination — noun
- declinationsingular
- declinationsplural
1. In astronomy, the angle that shows how far north or south a star, planet, or oth
In astronomy, the angle that shows how far north or south a star, planet, or other object appears relative to the sky's equator line.
Noa checked the moon's declination before setting up the school telescope.
astronomy: check a body's declination before observing
At midnight, Walid wrote the star's declination beside its chart label.
pattern: the declination of + celestial body
A lower declination placed the comet deeper in the southern sky.
The app lists each planet's declination next to the time column.
During class, the teacher explained declination with a lamp and globe.
- celestial latitude
A near-equivalent in a different coordinate system; not used in exactly the same calculations.
- sky coordinate
Much broader; declination is one specific coordinate, not the whole system.
文法句型
the declination of + celestial body
check/record/measure + declination
declination + value
用法筆記
Usually given in degrees and commonly paired with right ascension when astronomers state an object's position in the sky.
2. A slow movement into a worse state after a period when something was stronger, h
A slow movement into a worse state after a period when something was stronger, healthier, or of better quality.
Historians link the empire's declination to years of costly war.
formal writing about long-term worsening
Residents feared a further declination in public safety downtown.
The report traced the declination of local fish stocks over decades.
Teachers blamed budget cuts for the declination of music programs.
Critics noted a steady declination in the paper's standards after the merger.
- decline
Far more common in everyday English and less formal in tone.
- deterioration
Focuses more directly on damage or worsening condition.
- downturn
Usually used for business or economic activity rather than broad historical weakening.
- improvement
A move to a better condition or standard.
- recovery
A return to strength or health after weakness.
文法句型
the declination of + institution/condition
declination in + quality/standards
用法筆記
Most often seen in formal discussion of standards, health, institutions, or long historical change. In everyday English, decline is much more usual.
3. A part of something that slopes or bends downward instead of staying level or st
A part of something that slopes or bends downward instead of staying level or straight.
The road's sudden declination made cyclists brake near the bridge.
physical surface with a downward lean
Felix noticed a slight declination of the shelf after the storm.
pattern: declination in + object
Workers adjusted the ramp's declination before opening the loading bay.
Rainwater ran along the declination of the stone path into the drain.
The pipe needs more declination so the water can move faster.
文法句型
a/the + declination
declination of + surface/object
slight/sudden + declination
用法筆記
Used for a physical line, surface, or object that turns downward. It is more technical and much less common than slope or tilt.
4. A formal or courteous statement that someone will not accept an invitation, offe
A formal or courteous statement that someone will not accept an invitation, offer, request, or honour.
Gabriela emailed her declination to the embassy before the dinner.
formal reply to an invitation
Please return your acceptance or declination before Friday afternoon.
paired formula: acceptance or declination
Nikhil's polite declination left the host disappointed but not offended.
The club received three declinations after the venue changed.
Lauren's declination of the award surprised reporters at the ceremony.
- acceptance
A statement that someone agrees to receive or attend something.
- consent
Formal agreement, especially when permission is involved.
文法句型
a/the + declination
declination of + invitation/request
send/receive + a declination
用法筆記
Common in invitations, minutes, and official correspondence rather than everyday speech. In ordinary conversation, refusal is much more usual.