descend

/dɪˈsɛnd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: descends · descending · descended

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Senses relating to moving from a higher to a lower position. — To pass from a higher to a lower part of (something, such as a flight of stairs or a slope); to go down along or upon.

Verb

Examples

they descended the river in boats

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Senses relating to moving from a higher to a lower position. — Of a flight of stairs, a road, etc.: to lead down (a hill, a slope, etc.).

Verb

Examples

They took the steep path that descends the hill down to the beach.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “descend” mean?

Senses relating to moving from a higher to a lower position. — To pass from a higher to a lower part of (something, such as a flight of stairs or a slope); to go down along or upon.

Is “descend” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.