Question

1Question 1
Select the correct text in the dictionary entry.
Which definition of "decline" is used in the passage?

The Fall of the Chinese Empire

The Chinese Empire was considered one of the strongest and most stable territories in the world. But in the 1500s, it started declining. This decline began because of unwillingness to trade with foreign countries. The decision to avoid trade with outsiders was in direct protest to the ongoing European invasion in Asia.


decline /di-ˈklīn, dē-/ verb
to politely refuse an invitation
to reduce in number
to become smaller or lesser
to come to a close

Answer 1

"to become smaller or lesser."

Reason: The passage uses "declining" to mean the empire was losing strength/status (growing weaker), not refusing something or simply ending.