declinatory

American  

[dih-klahy-nuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / dɪˈklaɪ nəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective

1. expressing refusal; implying declination.

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Usage

What does declinatory mean? Declinatory means expressing refusal. It can be used to describe a statement made by someone who has declined something—refused it or turned it down. The related noun declination can mean a polite refusal, especially in a formal or official situation. Neither declinatory or this sense of declination are commonly used. Example: I’m sorry to say that his response was declinatory—he politely declined to participate.

Etymology

Origin of declinatory

1665–75; < Medieval Latin dēclīnātōrius, equivalent to Latin dēclīnā ( re ) ( see decline) + -tōrius -tory ¹