descent
dih-SENT
/dɪˈsɛnt/
An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling; a downward slope.
In adventure sports, the descent is often more dangerous than the ascent because of fatigue and gravity.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'de-' (down) and 'scandere' (to climb). It is the direct opposite of ascent.
Word relationships
- drop: Drop usually implies a sudden or vertical fall.
- decline: Decline is often used for a gradual decrease in numbers or quality.
- ascent: The act of moving upward.
Commonly confused with
- decent: Decent means respectable or good; descent means moving down.
- dissent: Dissent means disagreement.
Word family
- descend (verb): To move downward.
- descendant (noun): A person descended from a particular ancestor (moving 'down' the family tree).
Collocations
- rapid descent
- steep descent
- begin the descent
- descent into madness
Example sentences
- "The pilot began a slow descent toward the runway." Aviation safety.
- "Most accidents on Everest happen during the descent, when climbers are exhausted." Mountaineering danger.
Memory hook
Descent: Think of the 'D' as an arrow pointing down. D = Down.
When not to use
Don't use it for 'going down' a tiny step; it implies a significant change in elevation.
Fun facts
- The word 'descendant' uses this same root because you are moving 'down' through the generations of a family tree.
Explore more words
decelerate, deteriorate, degradation, go south, despondent, back down
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