Descended is the past tense of the verb “descend,” which means to move or fall downward, to originate from a particular ancestor, or to come down from a higher place or position. It can also refer to something that is inherited or passed down through generations, such as traits, titles, or family lineage. In general, “descended” implies a movement or transfer from a higher point to a lower one, either physically, metaphorically, or generationally. In Indonesian, “descended” can be translated as “turun” (in the context of physical movement) or “berasal” (in the context of lineage or ancestry).
Synonyms of “Descended”:
- Came down (turun)
- Fell (jatuh)
- Dropped (terjatuh)
- Sank (terbenam)
- Went down (pergi turun)
- Traveled down (berjalan turun)
- Fell from (jatuh dari)
- Inherited (mewarisi)
- Emanated (berasal)
- Derived (diturunkan)
Example Sentences Using “Descended”:
- The sun had just descended behind the mountains, casting a golden glow over the valley.
- He descended the staircase carefully, not wanting to make any noise.
- The noble family descended from a long line of kings and queens.
- The bird descended from the sky and landed on the branch of a tree.
- The temperature rapidly descended as the night grew colder.
- A sense of sadness descended upon the room when the news was shared.
- They believed they had descended from ancient explorers who discovered new lands.
- As the fog descended, visibility became almost impossible.
- He descended from the top of the mountain after completing the hike.
- The darkness gradually descended as the storm clouds gathered overhead.
Related Words:
- Descend (turun)
- Fall (jatuh)
- Drop (terjatuh)
- Rise (naik)
- Emanate (berasal)
- Inherit (mewarisi)
- Climb (memanjat)
- Plunge (terjun)
- Decline (menurun)
- Dip (terjun)
Antonyms of “Descended”:
- Ascended (naik)
- Rose (bangkit)
- Climbed (memanjat)
- Soared (terbang tinggi)
- Elevated (dinaikkan)
- Went up (pergi naik)
- Levitate (terapung)
- Uplifted (diangkat)
- Surged (meningkat)
- Arise (bangkit)
Phrasal Verbs Related to “Descended”:
- Come down – To move downward or decrease in level (“The elevator came down to the ground floor.”)
- Drop down – To fall or descend suddenly from a higher position (“The temperature dropped down rapidly after sunset.”)
- Climb down – To descend from a higher position, often after climbing (“She climbed down the ladder carefully.”)
- Settle down – To descend and become calm or stable (“The storm finally settled down after hours of heavy rain.”)
- Fall down – To descend or collapse to the ground (“The box fell down when the shelf broke.”)
- Sink down – To move downward into a lower position, often gradually (“The boat began to sink down into the water after the leak.”)
Idiomatic Expressions Related to “Descended”:
- “Descended into chaos” – Referring to a situation that deteriorates or becomes chaotic (“The meeting descended into chaos when no one could agree on the next steps.”)
- “Descended from” – Used to describe one’s ancestry or lineage (“She descended from a long line of famous artists.”)
- “The floodgates have descended” – Refers to a situation where something previously held back has now been released (“Once the floodgates descended, the community’s concerns were heard and addressed.”)
- “Descended upon” – To arrive suddenly or overwhelmingly (“The army descended upon the village at dawn.”)
- “Darkness descended” – Used metaphorically to describe the onset of darkness or a somber mood (“As the last light of day faded, darkness descended over the city.”)
How “Descended” Appears in Literature and Culture
The concept of descending plays a major role in various cultural narratives and literary works:
- Mythology and Religion: In many myths, gods or spirits are said to have descended from the heavens to interact with humans, often bringing wisdom or calamity. For example, in Christian theology, Jesus is believed to have descended from heaven to earth.
- Physical Descent: The act of descending often appears in stories or descriptions of ascents and falls, symbolizing either a fall from grace or a journey to the underworld. In many ancient texts, heroes and figures descended into the underworld to retrieve souls or learn crucial knowledge.
- Literature: In literature, the descent of characters is often symbolic, representing the loss of innocence or a moral decline. The phrase “he descended into madness” is a common expression to describe someone losing control.
- Cultural Descent: Many cultures use the idea of descent to highlight the importance of lineage and ancestry, particularly in terms of inheritance or family heritage.
Conclusion
“Descended” is a versatile word that can describe both physical movement downward and metaphorical shifts in status, mood, or lineage. Whether it refers to a literal fall, an ancestral line, or a figurative descent into something (like chaos or madness), the word adds depth and meaning in storytelling and daily life. Understanding its different contexts helps to capture the richness of its usage across language and culture.
