Pronunciation

/dɪˈsend/

Definitions

Noun

• A noun referring to the act or process of descending, coming down, or going lower in position or level. For example: “The hiker began to descend the steep mountain trail.”
• In a figurative sense, it can mean a decline or decrease in status or quality. For example: “The company’s stock price descended sharply after poor earnings reports.”

Verb

• A verb denoting the action of going down, coming lower, or dropping from a higher position or level. For example: “The plane descended smoothly for its landing.”
• It can also mean to pass through generations or to originate from a higher position or rank. For example: “The family descends from French nobility.”

Adjective

• An adjective describing something that is descending or going downwards. For example: “The rain descended heavily on the city.”

Adverb

• Occasionally, it can be used as an adverb meaning gradually or steadily. For example: “The temperature descended gradually throughout the day.”

Phrases

• “Descend a staircase” or “Descend the ladder” describe the physical act of going down steps.
• “Descend into chaos” implies a situation getting worse.
• “Descend from grace” refers to a loss of reputation or favor.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The climber felt a rush of air as they began to descend the valley.”
• Verb: “The parachutist carefully descended to the ground.”
• Adjective: “The fog descended upon the city, making visibility poor.”
• Adverb: “The temperature descended slowly over the course of the night.”

Synonyms

• Drop
• Fall
• Move downward
• Slip
• Climb down
• Abate
• Decline