C1noun2K

Descent

UK /["/dɪˈsent/"]/US /["/dɪˈsent/"]/

Definition

an action of coming or going down

In simple words: The action of going down.

Examples

  • The hiker was cautious during the steep descent down the mountain.
  • During the plane's descent, passengers were asked to fasten their seatbelts.
  • She traced her family descent back to the 17th century.
  • The athlete’s quick descent to the finish line surprised everyone.
  • They discussed his descent from royal ancestors during the history class.
  • The sudden descent of the airplane gave some passengers a moment of fear.
  • Her emotional descent into despair was visible after the bad news.

Usage notes

Use 'descent' when referring to going down physically or figuratively. It's neutral and can be used in both formal and casual contexts, but avoid it in very informal conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'd' in 'down' for descent!

Collocations

  • fast
  • rapid
  • swift
  • make
  • begin
  • start
  • during a/​the descent
  • on a/​the descent
  • descent down
  • a rate of descent
  • gentle
  • steep
  • direct
  • lineal
  • common
  • claim
  • have
  • trace
  • by descent
  • descent from
  • a line of descent
  • of Mexican, Scottish, etc. descent

Synonyms

  • decline
  • drop
  • fall
  • downward movement
  • descent

Antonyms

  • ascent
  • rise

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'ascent' which means going up.
  • Using 'descent' as a verb instead of a noun.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'desent' instead of 'di-sent'.