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Descending - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Descending means moving or going downward, either physically (like stairs) or in order (like numbers from high to low). It can also describe a decrease in quality, value, or intensity.

descending

/dɪˈsɛndɪŋ/ /dɪˈsɛndɪŋ/

Definition:

Moving or sloping downward, or decreasing in size, amount, or importance.

Synonyms:

falling, declining, dropping, sinking

Part of Speech:

adjective, verb (present participle)

Antonyms:

ascending, rising

Common Collocations:

descending order, descending staircase, descending slope

Derivatives:

descend, descendant, descender

Usage Tips:

Use "descending" to describe downward movement or a decrease in value or rank; often paired with "order" for rankings.

Common Phrases:

descending order of importance, descending into chaos, the descending sun

Etymology:

From Latin "descendere," meaning "to climb down," from "de-" (down) + "scandere" (to climb).

Examples:

  • 1. The plane began its slow descent before landing smoothly on the runway.
  • 2. She arranged the books in descending order of height on the shelf.
  • 3. The hikers followed the descending trail into the valley below.
  • 4. His voice was barely audible as he spoke in a descending whisper.

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