The difference between descent, decent and dissent (grammar lesson)


descent, decent and dissent - the difference

Descent means going downwards, a downward slope or ancestry. Decent means civilized, good or adequate. Dissent means 'to argue' or 'a difference of opinion'.

There is often confusion over the words 'descent', 'decent' and 'dissent'.

Descent

The noun descent has a few meanings:

The action of descending (i.e., going downwards).

The Boeing 737 started its descent from 20,000 feet.

A downhill incline.

It features a long, steep descent that is ideal for advanced skiers.

Family origin.

She is from Indian descent.

Decent

The adjective decent means civilized, good or adequate. (It rhymes with 'recent'.)

Examples:

Ninety-eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hardworking citizens.

That's a decent plate of food.

Dissent

Dissent can be a noun meaning 'difference of opinion' or a verb meaning 'to disagree'.

Examples:

The referee has given him a red card for dissent.

Acceptance of dissent is the fundamental requirement of a free society.

I will dissent if you continue with this course of action.

(Dissent is a verb in this example.)

DECENT RHYMES WITH RECENT

Native English speakers always pronounce these words correctly. Confusion only occurs in writing. Therefore, if you remember that 'decent' rhymes with 'recent' (which is logical considering they share the same last five letters), then you will succeed in differentiating between decent and descent.

DISS = DISSENT

The street word 'diss' (deriving from disrespect) has connotations of disagreement and arguing. Therefore, the first four letters of 'dissent' can remind you of its meaning.