Meaning
The verb descend means to move or go down from a higher place to a lower one. It can also describe situations where something deteriorates, declines, or becomes worse. In figurative use, it often means to shift into a lower state or condition.
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: Verb
- Verb type: Intransitive or transitive, depending on context
Typical structures
- descend from (come down from a higher place)
- descend to (move down to a lower place/condition)
- descend into (fall or slip into a state, usually negative)
- be descended from (originating from an ancestor)
Common Phrases
- descend into chaos – to become chaotic
- descend into darkness – to become dark or gloomy
- descend on/upon – to arrive suddenly, often in large numbers
- be descended from – to originate from an ancestor or lineage
Collocations
- descend slowly/rapidly
- descend a staircase/mountain
- descend into madness/silence/confusion
- descend from heaven/sky
- descend upon a town/house
Examples
- The plane began to descend as it approached the airport.
- We watched the hikers descend the steep mountain path.
- After the scandal, the politician’s career quickly descended into chaos.
- Silence descended upon the room when the teacher entered.
- Darkness descended as the sun disappeared behind the hills.
- She claims to be descended from an ancient royal family.
- The meeting descended into an argument after only ten minutes.
- Clouds began to descend over the valley, bringing heavy rain.
- Tourists descended on the small village during the summer festival.
- The elevator slowly descended to the basement floor.
Synonyms or Related
- go down
- lower
- decline
- deteriorate
- sink
- fall
- drop