descend (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /dɪˈsend/

Definition

To move downward, drop, or fall from a higher to a lower level, position, or state.

Examples

• The temperature began to descend rapidly as night fell.

• He watched the hot air balloon descend gracefully into the field.

• The hikers had to descend the steep mountain path carefully.

How to Use descend

descend from (prepositional phrase)

To have as an ancestor or origin. — "The queen is said to descend from ancient kings."

descend into (prepositional phrase)

To gradually get into a particular state or situation, often a negative one. — "The argument descended into insults."

descend on/upon (prepositional phrase)

To arrive suddenly and unexpectedly, often in large numbers. — "The police descended on the illegal gambling den."

Synonyms of descend

Words with a similar meaning to descend:

• drop
• fall
• lower
• plunge
• subside

Antonyms of descend

Words with the opposite meaning to descend:

• ascend
• rise
• climb

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary