Descending Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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descending

[dɪˈsɛndɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a specific order

Descending is used to describe something that is moving or arranged in a downward direction, decreasing in size, importance, or quality.

Synonyms

declining, dropping, falling, lowering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
descending	Used when talking about moving downwards, either physically or metaphorically, such as going down stairs or in a hierarchy. She was descending the staircase. The airplane is descending towards the runway. The data shows a descending trend in sales.
falling	Refers to moving downward, often due to gravity. It can also describe a decrease in numbers, levels, or quality, sometimes with a sense of an uncontrollable process. The leaves are falling from the trees. Stock prices are falling sharply. Attendance at the event is falling every year.
dropping	Used to talk about something falling or becoming lower in a very literal or quick way. It can also refer to a decrease in numbers or levels. The temperature is dropping rapidly. I accidentally dropped my phone on the floor. Sales have been dropping due to the economic downturn.
lowering	Typically used to describe bringing something down to a lower position or reducing a certain measure like volume, price, or height. She is lowering the blinds. The company is lowering its prices to attract customers. He spoke in a lowered voice.
declining	Often refers to a reduction in quantity, quality, or importance over time. It can have a slightly formal or negative connotation. The population of the city is declining. His health has been declining for several years. There is a declining interest in printed newspapers.

Examples of usage

The stairs were steep and descending.
The prices have been descending steadily over the past month.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

moving downwards

Descending as a verb refers to the action of moving or falling downwards from a higher to a lower level or position.

Synonyms

dropping, falling, plunging, sinking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
descending	Used in a neutral context to describe something moving downwards, often in a controlled or gradual manner. The airplane is descending towards the runway The hikers are descending the mountain trail
falling	General use for something moving downwards, may imply a lack of control or a natural process. Leaves are falling from the trees The stock market has been falling all week
dropping	Often used to describe a quick or unexpected decrease, can imply a lack of control. The temperatures are dropping rapidly She accidentally dropped the vase on the floor
sinking	Typically used when something is gradually going downwards, often into a liquid. Can imply a sense of hopelessness or negativity. The ship is sinking after hitting the iceberg Their spirits were sinking as the situation grew worse
plunging	Used to describe a very rapid or sudden drop, often dramatic or uncontrolled. Usually has a negative connotation. The car plunged off the bridge The company's profits are plunging this quarter

Examples of usage

The plane started descending towards the runway.
He saw the sun descending behind the mountains.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

In math, arranging numbers in descending order means putting them from the largest to the smallest.
Graphs can show descending trends, which represent a decrease in value over time.
The concept of descending is crucial in calculus, especially when discussing functions that decrease.

Nature

Many animals exhibit descending behavior, such as birds when they land or fish moving to deeper waters.
Waterfalls are a natural example of descending, as water flows from higher elevations down to lower ones.
In the context of ecosystems, species can be organized in descending order of size or complexity.

Cultural References

Many songs and stories use the idea of descending to portray a journey or a fall from grace.
In literature, characters often undergo a descending arc, representing challenges or hardships that lead to their undoing.
Movies featuring dramatic descents, like a character falling from a great height, often symbolize loss or change.

Psychology

The concept of descending can relate to emotional states, where feelings may start high and go down due to stress or sadness.
In behavioral psychology, descending patterns in behavior can indicate worsening conditions or responses to situations.
Descending motivation, as seen in many life phases, shows how goals and aspirations can drop over time due to various factors.

Origin of 'descending'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'descendere', meaning 'to climb down'.
It entered the English language during the 14th century, reflecting the evolution of language through usage.
In Middle English, it was often used in a more general sense to mean 'to come down'.

The word 'descending' comes from the Latin word 'descendere', formed by the prefix 'de-' (down) and 'scandere' (to climb). It has been used in English since the late 15th century to describe the act of moving or falling downwards.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,153 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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7150 releases
7151 appreciable
7152 plurality
7153 descending
7154 differed
7155 physiology
7156 cum
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