descent Meaning & Definition
What Does Descent Mean?
As a noun, descent means An instance of descending; act of coming down. It can also mean A way down.
Word Facts for Descent
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /dɪˈsɛnt/ |
| Synonyms | decline, line and stock |
| Antonyms | rise, raise and upgrade |
| Plural | descents |
Descent Definition (Noun)
- An instance of descending; act of coming down.
We climbed the mountain with difficulty, but the descent was easier.
- A way down.
We had difficulty in finding the correct descent.
- A sloping passage or incline.
The descent into the cavern was wet and slippery.
- Lineage or hereditary derivation.
Our guide was of Welsh descent.
- A drop to a lower status or condition; decline. (Can we add an example for this sense?)
After that, the holiday went into a steep descent.
- A falling upon or invasion.
- A particular extension of the idea of gluing.
Synonyms of Descent
Antonyms of Descent
Descent in a Sentence
We climbed the mountain with difficulty, but the descent was easier.
We had difficulty in finding the correct descent.
The descent into the cavern was wet and slippery.
Our guide was of Welsh descent.
After that, the holiday went into a steep descent.
Word Forms & Grammar
descent (countable and uncountable, plural descents)
Words That Rhyme With Descent
Origin of Descent
From Middle English and Anglo-Norman descente, from Anglo-Norman descendre (“to descend”); see descend. Compare ascent, ascend. Doublet of desant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Descent
What part of speech is descent?
Descent is a noun.
What is another word for descent?
Close synonyms of descent are decline, line and stock. See the full list of descent synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of descent?
The opposite of descent can be expressed with words like rise, raise, upgrade and ascent.
What is the plural of descent?
The plural of descent is descents.