descent

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a path, road, or slope that goes down.

n. a downward slope, incline, or a physical route leading to a lower level.

“The descent from the mountain top was steep and rocky.”

“The cyclists had to check their brakes frequently during the long, winding descent into the valley below.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal

n. your family background or where your ancestors came from.

n. the origin or background of a person in terms of family or nationality; lineage.

“She is of Italian descent and speaks the language fluently.”

“The historian traced the family's descent back to the seventeenth century, uncovering several notable figures in the process.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary

n. a change to a worse or lower condition.

n. a metaphorical movement to a lower state, quality, or condition.

Español:descenso

“The book describes the king's descent into madness.”

“The documentary chronicles the city's slow descent from an industrial powerhouse to a struggling urban centre.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary · Formal

n. a sudden visit or attack by a group of people.

n. a sudden or violent attack, invasion, or unexpected visit.

“The quiet village was not prepared for the descent of thousands of tourists.”

“The sudden descent of the enemy troops upon the coastal fort caught the garrison entirely by surprise.”