Descent: meaning, definitions and examples

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descent

[ dɪˈsent ]

^{Context #1}

in mountain climbing

The act or process of moving downwards, especially when referring to a mountain or slope.

Synonyms

decline, drop, fall

Examples of usage

The descent down the mountain was treacherous.
She made a rapid descent to the base camp.

^{Context #2}

genealogy

The origin or background of a person or family, often in terms of social, cultural, or ethnic heritage.

Synonyms

ancestry, heritage, lineage

Examples of usage

She is proud of her Irish descent.
He comes from a long line of musicians, it runs in his descent.

^{Context #3}

formal

To move downwards or lower oneself physically.

Synonyms

decline, drop, lower

Examples of usage

The plane began to descent towards the airport.
She started to descent the staircase slowly.

Translations

Translations of the word "descent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descida

🇮🇳 उतराई

🇩🇪 Abstieg

🇮🇩 turun

🇺🇦 спуск

🇵🇱 zejście

🇯🇵 降下

🇫🇷 descente

🇪🇸 descenso

🇹🇷 iniş

🇰🇷 하강

🇸🇦 نزول

🇨🇿 sestup

🇸🇰 zostup

🇨🇳 下降

🇸🇮 spust

🇮🇸 niðurganga

🇰🇿 түсу

🇬🇪 დაშვება

🇦🇿 enmə

🇲🇽 descenso

Word origin

The word 'descent' originated from the Latin word 'descensus', which means 'a descending'. It first appeared in Middle English around the 14th century. Over the years, 'descent' has been used in various contexts, from mountain climbing to genealogy, to describe the act of moving downwards or the origin of a person or family. The word has evolved to become an essential part of the English language, reflecting the importance of understanding one's roots and the physical act of moving downwards.