[Vocabulary] What is the difference between decline and reject?

[jsc2040]

I've used 'reject' more often than 'decline' like 'I rejected the offer.' I guess 'decline' is more polite and formal than 'reject', but I want to confirm whether my guess is right. Thank you.

 

[slevlife]

I've used 'reject' more often than 'decline', for example in 'I rejected the offer.' I'm guessing that 'decline' is more polite and formal than 'reject', but I want to confirm whether my guess is right. [STRIKE]Thank you.[/STRIKE] (unnecessary)

You're right for the example you gave, but differences in meaning exist in some situations.

You reject an applicant for a job (informal and softer: turn down), but you decline an invitation. If you reject an invitation, that would be much more negative and suggests you refuse to go rather than being unable to go. If you decline an applicant, that might suggest you decided against interviewing them, rather than that they failed your interview.

In general, reject is harsher (your description of it as less polite is only applicable in some contexts).

 

[Tdol]

I would decline an invitation- reject would be to strong for me.