descent
Translation
descent, ancestry, slope
Examples
The plane began its descent to the airport.
The plane began its descent to the airport.
She is of Irish descent.
She is of Irish descent.
The path has a steep descent.
The path has a steep descent.
Grammar Patterns
((of sth.)) the action of moving downwards The descent of the mountain was difficult.
((of ... descent)) a person's family origins He is of French descent.
Similar Words
Synonyms: fall, drop, lineage, ancestry; Antonyms: ascent, climb
Etymology
From Latin 'de-' (down) + 'scandere' (to climb). The action of 'climbing down'.
Memory Tips
Connects to the verb 'descend'. Think of a plane's descent or your family's descent (lineage).