What are the differences between descent, decent, and dissent?
Descent means going downwards, a downward slope, or ancestry.
Decent means civilized, good, or adequate.
Dissent means to argue or a difference of opinion.
Descent, Decent, and Dissent
There is often confusion over the words descent, decent, and dissent.
1-Descent
The noun descent has a few meanings:
*The action of descending (i.e., going downwards).
exp: The Boeing 737 started its descent from 20,000 feet.
*A downhill incline.
exp: It features a long, steep descent that is ideal for advanced skiers.
*Family origin.
exp: She is from Indian descent.
2-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.
3-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.)