Descent

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dɪˈsÉ›nt/
• Homophones: dissent

Origin

From Middle English and Anglo-Norman descente, from Anglo-Norman descendre ("to descend"); see descend. Compare ascent, ascend.

Full definition of descent

Noun

1. An instance of descendingWe climbed the mountain with difficulty, but the descent was easier.
• 2012, July 15. Richard Williams in Guardian Unlimited, Tour de France 2012: Carpet tacks cannot force Bradley Wiggins off trackThe next one surrendered his bike, only for that, too, to give him a second flat as he started the descent.
2. A way down.We had difficulty in finding the correct descent.
3. A sloping passage or incline.The descent into the cavern was wet and slippery.
4. Lineage or hereditary derivationOur guide was of Welsh descent.
5. A drop to a lower status or condition.After that, the holiday went into a steep descent.

Usage notes

Sometimes confused with decent.

Related terms

• descend

Antonyms

• (going down) ascent

Anagrams

• scented