Cleveland.com: Miss Manners: Is it rude to decline an invitation I’m not interested in?
DEAR MISS MANNERS: While acknowledging gratitude for being invited to quite a few social events, how do I decline an invitation that I have little interest in attending? (Yes, I gladly attend special ...
Miss Manners: Is it rude to decline an invitation I’m not interested in?
decline, refuse, reject, repudiate, spurn mean to turn away by not accepting, receiving, or considering. decline often implies courteous refusal especially of offers or invitations.
To degrade or lower oneself; stoop: refused to decline to their level of behavior. 4. To deteriorate gradually; fail: His health has been declining for years. 5. a. To sink, as the setting sun. b. To draw to a gradual close: We made our way home as the day declined. 1. To refuse politely: I declined their offer of help. See Synonyms at refuse 1. 2.
Decline, refuse, forbear, refrain: Decline is gentler than refuse and carries a connotation that the non-acceptance is an acceptable or anticipated option (decline an invitation) or the result of a considered decision (the judge declined to grant the motion).
If you decline something or decline to do something, you politely refuse to accept it or do it.
Knowing how to respond to an invitation ensures clear communication and reflects good manners. Whether you are accepting or declining ...
Dear Miss Manners: What is the proper way to refuse a gentleman’s invitation for a date? The little white lie seems wrong, and does not discourage the gentleman from issuing more unwanted invitations.