descend

UK: dɪˈsɛnd | US: dɪˈsɛnd

Definition

  1. vi. to move or fall downward

  2. vi. to slope or lead downward

  3. vt. to move from a higher to a lower place

Structure
de <down>scend <climb>de <down>scend <climb>
Etymology

The word descend originates from Latin descendere, combining de- ("down") and scandere ("to climb"). It literally means "to climb down," reflecting a physical or metaphorical movement from higher to lower. Over time, it broadened to include slopes, inheritance, and hierarchical transitions.

Examples

  1. The hikers began to descend the mountain before sunset.

  2. The staircase descends into a hidden cellar.

  3. Temperatures descend rapidly at night in the desert.

  4. She felt her mood descend after hearing the bad news.

  5. The eagle descended swiftly to catch its prey.