Present something to somebody/something, e.G. The computer centre presented a cheque for £500 to cancer research.

5. decline n a decrease in the quality, quantity, or importance of something

decline in, e.g. There has been a decline in the size of families.

decline of, e.g. the decline of manufacturing.

rapid/sharp/steep/dramatic decline, e.g. a rapid decline in unemployment.

steady/gradual/long-term decline, e.g. The island's population initially numbered 180, but there was a gradual decline until only 40 people were left.

in decline widely held belief that educational standards are in decline (falling).

fall/go etc into decline e.g. The port fell into decline (became less important and less busy) in the 1950s.

decline v 1) decrease: to decrease in quantity or importance: e.g.: Spending on information technology has declined.

2) say no: to say no politely when someone invites you somewhere, offers you something, or wants you to do something, e.g. Offered the position of chairman, Smith declined, preferring to keep his current job.

decline an offer/invitation etc, e.g. Mary declined Jay's invitation to dinner.

decline to do something, e.g. The minister declined to comment (refused to speak to people who report the news) about the progress of the peace talks.

3) to become gradually worse in quality, e.g. Qualified staff are leaving and standards are declining.

6. hold v 1) in your hand/arms: a) to have something in your hand, hands, or arms, e.g. Could you hold my bag for me?

hold something in your hand/arms, e.g. He was holding a knife in one hand. I held the baby in my arms.

hold hands (hold each other's hands), e.g. They sat holding hands under a tree.

hold somebody close/tightly (with your arms around someone), e.g. Max held her close and wiped away her tears.

b) to move your hand or something in your hand in a particular direction

hold something out/up etc, e.g. He held out his hand to help her to her feet. Hold the picture up so we can see it.

2) to have a meeting, party, election etc in a particular place or at a particular time (conference, demonstration, election, inquiry, meeting, rally, referendum, seminar, talks), e.g. This year's conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel.

Syn: organize, prepare, plan, arrange, set up, stage

hold the post/position/office etc (of something), e.g. She was the first woman to hold the office of Australian state premier.

Hold off ph V to delay doing something, e.G. Buyers have been holding off until the price falls.

Syn: delay, wait, hesitate, put off, hold off, sit on, procrastinate

hold off (on) doing something, e.g. Hold off making your decision until Monday.

get hold of something also get a hold of something AE to find or borrow something so that you can use it, e.g. I need to get hold of a car. She managed to get a hold of a copy.

get hold of somebody also get a hold of somebody AE to find and speak to someone about something, e.g. I must get hold of Vanessa to see if she can babysit.

7. break v 1) to disobey a rule or law, e.g. They're breaking the law by employing such young children. If you break the rules you will be punished. The cameras catch motorists who break the speed limit.

2) not do something that you have promised to do or signed an agreement to do, e.g. I never break my promises. You betrayed me. You broke your word.

break an agreement/contract, e.g. He was worried that he might be breaking his contract.