Basic Details
Word: Descent
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The process of moving downwards or a person's family background.
Synonyms: Decline, drop, lineage
Antonyms: Ascent, rise
Idioms and Phrases
- Descent into madness: Referring to a situation where someone becomes increasingly irrational or insane. Example: "After losing his job, he experienced a descent into madness, struggling to cope with reality."
- By descent: This phrase means through family heritage. Example: "She is, by descent, a member of a royal family, even if she does not live in a palace."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The mountain trail takes a steep descent down to the river below.
Example 2: Their family has a long descent from ancient kings and queens.
Example 3: During the descent from the airplane, many passengers were excited to arrive at their holiday destination.
Fun Fact
The word "descent" comes from the Latin word "descendere," which means "to go down." It has been used in English since the late 14th century.
Famous Quote
"To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first." William Shakespeare. This quote reflects the idea that even a descent can sometimes be demanding.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "descent" mean?
a) A type of flower
b) The process of moving downwards
c) A musical term
d) A kind of food
Answer: b) The process of moving downwards
2. Which of these is a synonym of "descent"?
a) Flight
b) Decline
c) Rise
d) Journey
Answer: b) Decline
3. What is an antonym for "descent"?
a) Drop
b) Descent
c) Ascent
d) Fall
Answer: c) Ascent
4. Which sentence uses "descent" correctly?
a) He made a rapid descent down the hill on his bicycle.
b) The descent was very tasty to eat.
c) She painted the descent beautifully on canvas.
d) My descent was terrified to speak.
Answer: a) He made a rapid descent down the hill on his bicycle.
5. Which idiom means a deterioration in mental state?
a) By descent
b) Descent into madness
c) The ascent of knowledge
d) Down to earth
Answer: b) Descent into madness
