descent
n.-
1 moving downwards (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe act of moving from a higher place to a lower one.
the act or process of moving downwards from a higher altitude or position.
ExampleThe plane began its final descent into the airport.
ExampleThe pilot requested a gradual descent to avoid the turbulence reported at lower altitudes by previous flights.
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2 a way down (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea path, road, or slope that goes down.
a downward slope, incline, or a physical route leading to a lower level.
ExampleThe descent from the mountain top was steep and rocky.
ExampleThe cyclists had to check their brakes frequently during the long, winding descent into the valley below.
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3 family origins (n.) C1 Advanced Formalyour family background or where your ancestors came from.
the origin or background of a person in terms of family or nationality; lineage.
ExampleShe is of Italian descent and speaks the language fluently.
ExampleThe historian traced the family's descent back to the seventeenth century, uncovering several notable figures in the process.
UsageOften used with the preposition 'of'.
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4 a decline in status (n.) C1 Advanced Literarya change to a worse or lower condition.
a metaphorical movement to a lower state, quality, or condition.
ExampleThe book describes the king's descent into madness.
ExampleThe documentary chronicles the city's slow descent from an industrial powerhouse to a struggling urban centre.
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5 a sudden arrival (n.) C2 Proficiency Literary Formala sudden visit or attack by a group of people.
a sudden or violent attack, invasion, or unexpected visit.
ExampleThe quiet village was not prepared for the descent of thousands of tourists.
ExampleThe sudden descent of the enemy troops upon the coastal fort caught the garrison entirely by surprise.
From Middle English and Anglo-Norman descente, from Anglo-Norman descendre (“to descend”); see descend. Compare ascent, ascend. Doublet of desant.