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descent  ~  decent:

[‘descent’ has a short first vowel sound, and ‘decent’ has a long first vowel sound -- roughly "di.sent" and "dee.suhnt"]

{The opposite word in meaning to ‘descent’ is “ascent”; and to ‘decent’ is “indecent”.}

a skier on a descent

“Descent” (noun) is ‘the act of coming or going down; a passage or way leading downwards; the family origins; a sudden unwelcome visit; a sudden attack’,

a descent of enemy army

e.g.

This road makes a steep descent just past the Post Office.

Their grandparents are of European descent. [i.e. their great-grandparents were Europeans]

__________

“Decent” (adjective) means ‘proper; socially acceptable; very suitable behaviour; clean and respectable’,

e.g.

a girl with a decent disposition

Nikki has a decent disposition; we all love to be with her all the time.

a decent place to sleep comfortably

Where can I find a decent hotel in this dirty town!

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