descent

[ dih-sent ]

noun

1. the act, process, or fact of moving from a higher to a lower position.

   Synonyms: drop, fall

2. a downward inclination or slope.

   Synonyms: slant, declivity, grade, decline

3. a passage or stairway leading down.
4. derivation from an ancestor; lineage; extraction.

   Synonyms: origin, parentage, ancestry

5. any passing from higher to lower in degree or state; decline.

   Synonyms: downturn, contraction, decline, plunge, drop, decrease

6. a sudden raid or hostile attack.

   Synonyms: incursion, raid, foray, assault

7. Law. transmission of real property by intestate succession.

descent

/ dɪˈsɛnt /

noun

1. the act of descending
2. a downward slope or inclination
3. a passage, path, or way leading downwards
4. derivation from an ancestor or ancestral group; lineage
5. (in genealogy) a generation in a particular lineage
6. a decline or degeneration
7. a movement or passage in degree or state from higher to lower
8. often foll by on a sudden and overwhelming arrival or attack
9. property law (formerly) the transmission of real property to the heir on an intestacy

Other Words From

• prede·scent noun
• rede·scent noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of descent¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French descente, derivative of descendre “to come down,” modeled on such pairs as vente, vendre; descend

Example Sentences

When he takes the field Saturday against Nebraska, he’ll become the first passer of Polynesian descent to start a game at quarterback for USC.

From Los Angeles Times

The fact that he’ll duel with Nebraska freshman Dylan Raiola, another quarterback of Polynesian descent, only adds to the special moment.

From Los Angeles Times

If there were no apparent problems during the descent and alarms failed to sound, those on board could have been unaware of their imminent fate.

From BBC

He said the Oceangate team took safety seriously, with extensive briefings before each descent.

From BBC

Titan began its descent beneath the waves on the morning of 18 June 2023.

From BBC

Related Words

• extraction
• lineage
• origin
• parentage