Meaning: Ancestry or lineage
* "Her descent from a long line of Scottish royalty was evident in her bearing." (This refers to her family history and noble ancestors.)
* "The archaeologist traced the artifact's descent back to the ancient civilization." (This describes the lineage of the artifact, its origin and historical path.)
Meaning: A downward movement
* "The hikers began their descent down the steep mountain trail." (This refers to the act of going downwards.)
* "The plane's rapid descent was alarming to the passengers." (This refers to a quick downward movement.)
Meaning: A decline or deterioration
* "The company's descent into bankruptcy was a result of poor management." (This refers to a negative change, a decline in the company's status.)
* "The moral descent of the society was evident in the rise of crime." (This refers to a worsening of ethical standards.)
Meaning: A slope or inclination
* "The ski slope had a gentle descent, perfect for beginners." (This refers to the incline of the slope.)
* "The road had a long, gradual descent into the valley." (This refers to the downward slope of the road.)
The meaning of "descent" will depend on the context of the sentence.