descent
dih-SENT
/dɪˈsɛnt/
An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling.
In winter sports, it refers to the downward path of a skier or sled.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'descendere,' meaning 'to climb down' (de- down + scandere climb). It’s the heart-pounding part of skiing where you head down the mountain.
Word relationships
- drop: Drop is a sudden or vertical movement; descent can be gradual and controlled.
- decline: Decline often refers to a gradual slope or a decrease in quality.
- ascent: The act of climbing or moving upward.
Commonly confused with
- dissent: Descent is moving down; dissent is disagreeing.
Word family
- descend (verb): To move downward.
- descendant (noun): A person descended from an ancestor.
Collocations
- steep descent
- rapid descent
- final descent
Example sentences
- "The descent from the summit was more dangerous than the climb, with hidden rocks and icy patches." Describing a mountain ski run.
- "Our descent into the valley was marked by a sudden drop in temperature." A travel narrative.
Memory hook
Descent = Down + Sent. You are 'sent down' the hill. Descent = Downward path.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'dissent,' which means disagreement.
Fun facts
- The 'Descent of Man' is a famous book by Charles Darwin.
- In aviation, a 'controlled descent' is a standard landing procedure.
Explore more words
decelerate, deteriorate, degradation, go south, despondent, back down
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