C1noun 2K

Descent

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪˈsent/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪˈsent/"]/

Meaning of Descent

an action of coming or going down

In simple words: The action of going down.

Descent in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Descent

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!

Related words

Collocations with Descent

• 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 for Descent

• decline
• drop
• fall
• downward movement
• descent

Opposites of Descent

• ascent
• rise

Common mistakes with Descent

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

Frequently asked questions about Descent

What does Descent mean?

The action of going down.

What is the definition of Descent?

an action of coming or going down

How do you use Descent in a sentence?

The hiker was cautious during the steep descent down the mountain.

Can you give another example of Descent?

During the plane's descent, passengers were asked to fasten their seatbelts.

What are synonyms for Descent?

Common alternatives include decline, drop, fall, downward movement, descent.

What is the opposite of Descent?

Opposite meanings include ascent, rise.

What words go with Descent?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Descent?

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

How do you pronounce Descent?

US: /["/dɪˈsent/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈsent/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Descent?

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.

What CEFR level is Descent?

"Descent" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.