declension
nounUK /dɪˈklɛnʃən/
US /dɪˈklɛnʃən/
A declension is the way a word changes its form to show its job in a sentence.
In Latin class, we learned the first declension of nouns.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A gradual worsening or downward movement.
The old building showed signs of declension after years of neglect.
3. A polite refusal of something offered.
His declension of the invitation surprised everyone.
4. A group of nouns that share the same pattern of endings.
The teacher explained that 'puella' belongs to the first declension.