declination

• 指礼貌地拒绝邀请；也指向下倾斜或弯曲，或状态的逐渐恶化；在天文学中指天体相对于天赤道以北或以南的角距离。

A noun referring to a polite refusal of an invitation, or a downward slope or bend, or a gradual falling off from a better state, or in astronomy, the angular distance of a celestial body north or south of the celestial equator.

1. Deterioration or declineC1formal

   A condition inferior to an earlier condition; a gradual falling off from a better state.

   衰退

   • The declination of the Roman Empire took centuries.
   • There has been a noticeable declination in the quality of the product.
   • The declination of his health worried his family.

   同义词decaydeclinedegenerationdegradationdeteriorationworsening

   反义词advancementameliorationascentbettermentdevelopmentgrowthimprovementprogressrecoveryrise

2. C1formal

   A downward slope or bend.

   下降

   • The path followed a gentle declination towards the river.
   • The declination of the roof directs rainwater into the gutter.
   • They hiked down the steep declination of the hill.

   同义词declinedeclivitydescentdipdowngradeslope

   反义词ascentelevationrise

3. Astronomical coordinateC2formal

   The angular distance of a celestial body north or south of the celestial equator; expressed in degrees; used with right ascension to specify positions on the celestial sphere.

   赤纬

   • The star's declination is measured in degrees from the celestial equator.
   • Astronomers recorded the declination of the comet precisely.
   • The telescope was adjusted to match the declination of the target galaxy.

4. C1formal

   A polite refusal of an invitation.

   婉拒

   • She sent a formal declination to the wedding invitation.
   • His declination of the offer was gracefully worded.
   • The committee received several declinations from potential speakers.

   同义词demurralnonacceptancerefusalrejection

   反义词acceptanceaccordagreementassentconsent