SINCE 1828

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declivity

noun de·cliv·i·ty \ -tē \

Definition of declivity

plural declivities

1 : downward inclination

2 : a descending slope

See declivity defined for kids

Examples of declivity in a Sentence

the cabin is precariously perched on a declivity of the mountain's northern face

What is the Difference Between declivity and acclivity?

Three different English words descend from "clivus," the Latin word for "slope" or "hill" - with the help of three Latin prefixes. Declivity combines "clivus" with the prefix de-, meaning "down" or "away." "Acclivity" uses "ad-" (which may change its second letter depending on the root word), meaning "to" or "toward." Hence, an acclivity is an upward slope. The third word has a figurative meaning in English: "proclivity" makes use of the prefix pro-, meaning "forward," and this word refers to a personal inclination, predisposition, or "leaning."

Origin and Etymology of declivity

Latin declivitat-, declivitas, from declivis sloping down, from de- + clivus slope, hill; akin to Latin clinare

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1612

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

declivity Synonyms

Synonyms

declension, decline, descent, dip, downgrade, downhill, fall, hang, hanging;

Antonyms

acclivity, ascent, rise, upgrade, uphill, uprise;

Near Antonyms

grade, gradient, hill, inclination, incline, lean, pitch, rake, tilt;

Related Words

basin, depression, hollow;

Learn More about declivity

See words that rhyme with declivity Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for declivity Britannica English: Translation of declivity for Arabic speakers

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Examples: declivity in a Sentence

Editor's Note: What is the Difference Between declivity and acclivity?