What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alight
Example
Please wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before alighting. [alight: verb]
Example
The rider alighted from the horse and walked towards the stable. [alighted: past tense]
descend
Example
The hiker carefully descended the steep slope of the mountain. [descended: past tense]
Example
The airplane began to descend towards the runway for landing. [descend: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Descend is more commonly used than alight in everyday language, due to its versatility and broader range of contexts. Alight is less common and is mostly used in the context of transportation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alight and descend?
Alight has a more formal connotation and is often associated with older or more traditional language, while descend is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
