Definition

A grammatical term that refers to the way nouns, pronouns, and adjectives change form to express different grammatical categories like case, number, and gender.

Example

In Latin, the declension of nouns is essential for understanding their role in a sentence.

Conversation

Have you ever studied declension in language classes?

Yeah, I remember learning about it in Latin class.

It seemed so complicated at first, but it makes sense now.

Right? Once you get the hang of it, it’s not too bad!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Declension → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "clino" (from Latin "clinare", meaning to lean or incline). The word refers to the way nouns lean or change form in different grammatical cases, moving down through their variations.

Memory Tip

Think of nouns 'leaning down' ('de-') as they change form in different grammatical cases — that's what declension means.

Visually Confused Words