What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
descension
Example
The company experienced a descension in profits this quarter. [descension: noun]
Example
His descension from a respected politician to a convicted criminal was swift. [descension: noun]
descent
Example
The hikers made a slow and careful descent down the mountain. [descent: noun]
Example
She is of French descent, but was born and raised in the United States. [descent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Descent is more commonly used than descension in everyday language. Descent is a versatile word that can be used in many contexts, while descension is less common and has a more formal or literary tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between descension and descent?
Descension is typically associated with a formal or literary tone, while descent can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
