decline-n; 4 Senses

Sense Number 1: a change which is a decrease

Commentary: DECLINE[+relation][+decrease]
NOTE: This is measurable, hence objective

Examples:
This week saw a 4 percent decline across all the major stock indexes.
Biologists have reported a decline in bird populations in parts of England.
The drought caused a noticeable decline in the water table.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 3

Sense Number 2: a state of worsening conditions

Commentary: DECLINE[+state][+worsening]
NOTE: this is a judgement, hence subjective

Examples:
There were many factors in the decline of the Roman Empire.
The actor admitted that his career had been in decline for several years.
Analysts still think this industry is on the decline.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 3: A physical slope, oriented downwards

Commentary: DECLINE[+physical][+slope][+downward]

Examples:
We worked our way slowly down the steep decline of the glacier.
Mary braked as she saw the sudden decline in the road.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4

Sense Number 4: a refusal or nonacceptance

Commentary: DECLINE[+action][+communication][+refusal]
NOTE: nominalization - 'her decline of the offer' -> she declined the offer

Examples:
The firm was disappointed in her decline of their offer.
John's mother just would not accept our decline of an offer to dinner.

Mappings:
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: thesaurus