descent Definition
- 1an act of moving downwards, dropping, or falling
- 2the origin or background of a person in terms of family or nationality
- 3a downward slope or path
Using descent: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "descent" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The plane began its descent into the airport.
Example
The descent of the rollercoaster was thrilling.
Example
She is of French descent.
Example
The descent to the valley was steep and treacherous.
descent Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with descent
descent into madness
a gradual decline into insanity or irrational behavior
Example
The character's descent into madness was portrayed brilliantly by the actor.
of noble descent
having ancestors who were members of the nobility or aristocracy
Example
The prince was of noble descent and had a long line of ancestors who were kings and queens.
descent from a height
a sudden drop from a high place, such as a cliff or building
Example
The stuntman performed a daring descent from the top of the skyscraper.
Origins of descent
from Old French 'descente', from Latin 'descensus', from 'descendere' meaning 'to descend'
Summary: descent in Brief
Descent [dɪˈsent] refers to an act of moving downwards, dropping, or falling, as well as the origin or background of a person in terms of family or nationality. It can also denote a downward slope or path. Examples include 'The plane began its descent into the airport.' and 'She is of French descent.' Phrases include 'descent into madness,' indicating a gradual decline into insanity, and 'of noble descent,' referring to ancestors who were members of the nobility.
