Descend is a verb that means to move or fall downward, to go down from a higher position or level to a lower one. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something originating from a higher source, such as a family lineage or a particular trait being passed down. “Descend” is often associated with movement, both physical and metaphorical, indicating a transition from one level to another. In Indonesian, “descend” is commonly translated as “turun” or “menuruni” (to go down), depending on the context.
Synonyms of “Descend”:
- Fall (jatuh)
- Drop (terjatuh)
- Sink (terbenam)
- Go down (pergi turun)
- Come down (datang turun)
- Slide (meluncur)
- Plunge (terjun)
- Decline (menurun)
- Diminish (berkurang)
- Dip (terjun)
Example Sentences Using “Descend”:
- The mountain climbers began to descend the steep slope after reaching the summit.
- As night descended, the streets became quieter.
- The bird slowly descended to the ground after circling in the sky.
- The temperature will descend sharply tonight, so make sure to dress warmly.
- The children descended the stairs one by one, excited to open their presents.
- He descended from a long line of famous scientists.
- The fog descended over the town, making it hard to see.
- After the heavy rain, the river descended to its normal level.
- The sunlight gradually descended behind the horizon, signaling the end of the day.
- The elevator began to descend after the button was pressed.
Related Words:
- Descending (menurun)
- Fall (jatuh)
- Down (turun)
- Plunge (terjun)
- Decline (penurunan)
- Drop (penurunan)
- Diminish (berkurang)
- Sink (terbenam)
- Go down (pergi turun)
- Slide (meluncur)
Antonyms of “Descend”:
- Ascend (naik)
- Rise (bangkit)
- Climb (memanjat)
- Go up (pergi naik)
- Elevate (meninggikan)
- Soar (terbang tinggi)
- Lift (mengangkat)
- Surge (meningkat)
- Uplift (mengangkat)
- Boost (peningkatan)
Phrasal Verbs Related to “Descend”:
- Come down – To move downward or fall (“The temperature came down quickly after the storm.”)
- Drop down – To fall suddenly from a higher position (“The cat dropped down from the tree with ease.”)
- Climb down – To descend from a height after climbing (“The mountain climbers climbed down the peak carefully.”)
- Fall down – To collapse or drop to the ground (“The book fell down when the shelf broke.”)
- Sink down – To go down slowly to a lower position (“The boat sank down into the water after the leak was discovered.”)
- Settle down – To become calm or less active after descending from a higher state (“The storm finally settled down after hours of rain.”)
Idiomatic Expressions Related to “Descend”:
- “Descend into chaos” – To go from a stable or organized situation to one of confusion or disorder (“The peaceful protest quickly descended into chaos when the police arrived.”)
- “Descend from” – To originate or come from a particular ancestor or family line (“She descends from a long line of famous writers.”)
- “The floodgates descended” – To describe a moment when something held back is finally released, often in a dramatic way (“Once the floodgates descended, the whole truth came out.”)
- “Descend upon” – To arrive suddenly or in large numbers, often with force (“A group of reporters descended upon the scene of the accident.”)
- “Darkness descended” – Refers to the onset of darkness, either literal or metaphorical (“As the storm clouds gathered, darkness descended over the city.”)
How “Descend” is Used in Culture and Literature:
- Religious and Mythological Contexts: In many religious traditions, gods, angels, or spirits are said to descend from the heavens or a higher realm to interact with humans or to deliver messages. In Christianity, for example, Jesus is said to have descended from Heaven to Earth.
- Literature and Poetry: In literary works, the term “descend” is often used symbolically to represent a fall from grace, a decline in status, or the descent into despair or madness. A character might descend into darkness or chaos, often signifying moral or emotional decline.
- Nature and Seasons: The word “descend” is commonly used in descriptions of the changing of seasons, such as when autumn or winter is said to descend upon the land, bringing a change in weather or atmosphere.
- Historical and Cultural Significance: The idea of descent is central to understanding heritage and lineage in various cultures, especially when discussing the passing down of traditions, family titles, or wealth. People might proudly state that they descend from noble families or historic figures.
Conclusion
The verb “descend” carries multiple layers of meaning, from describing physical downward movement to metaphorical shifts in status, mood, or heritage. It plays a significant role in both everyday language and symbolic expressions in literature, religion, and culture. Whether referring to a literal descent down a mountain or a more figurative descent into a state of chaos, the term adds depth to descriptions of change, decline, or movement.
