IPA

Dictionary definition of descend

To move downward from a higher point or position to a lower one.
"The airplane began to descend toward the runway."

Detailed meaning of descend

The verb "descend" denotes the action of It typically implies a gradual or controlled descent, whether it's a person descending a staircase, an aircraft descending during landing, or a bird descending from the sky. "Descend" can also be used figuratively to describe a decrease in quality, status, or intensity, as when one's mood or a situation descends into sadness or chaos. It carries the idea of transitioning from a higher or elevated state to a lower one, either in a physical or metaphorical sense.

Example sentences of descend

1. The eagle began to descend gracefully from the sky.
2. Raindrops started to descend, signaling the coming storm.
3. She watched the hot air balloon slowly descend to the ground.
4. The airplane began to descend for a smooth landing.
5. Darkness began to descend as the sun set on the horizon.
6. They decided to descend the mountain before nightfall.

History and etymology of descend

The verb 'descend' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'descendere,' which is a combination of 'de' (meaning 'down from') and 'scandere' (meaning 'to climb' or 'to ascend'). In Latin, 'descendere' signified the action of moving down from a higher point or position. As the term transitioned into Old French and eventually into English, it became 'descend,' retaining its essential meaning of moving downward from a higher place to a lower one. 'Descend' is used to describe actions ranging from physical movements, such as going downstairs, to metaphorical descents, like a decline in fortune or status. The etymology of 'descend' effectively conveys its historical association with the concept of moving downward, emphasizing its role as a verb used to describe the action of descending from a higher position or point.

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Further usage examples of descend

1. The elevator started to descend to the lower floors.
2. The temperature will descend significantly overnight.
3. Snowflakes gently descend, covering the landscape in white.
4. As autumn arrives, leaves start to descend from the trees.
5. The hikers began to descend the steep trail cautiously.
6. The spaceship will soon descend back to Earth's surface.
7. The waterfall's mist made it appear like tears were descending.
8. The sun's rays slowly descend, casting long shadows.
9. Nightfall causes a peaceful silence to descend on the city.
10. The price of the stock may descend due to market fluctuations.
11. The fog started to descend, obscuring visibility on the road.
12. Darkness began to descend, and the stars became visible.
13. As the tide ebbs, the water levels will descend.
14. The helicopter will descend to pick up the stranded hikers.
15. The helicopter began to descend to a lower altitude.
16. The athlete's performance began to descend as she became fatigued.
17. The stock market prices continued to descend throughout the day.
18. The sun began to descend toward the horizon, signaling the end of the day.
19. The temperature began to descend as winter approached.
20. The airplane's passengers were instructed to fasten their seat belts as it began to descend through turbulence.