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descendant

/dɪˈsɛndɪnt/
/dɪˈsɛndɪnt/
IPA guide

Other forms: descendants

The word descendant refers to something that has come down. For example, everyone is a descendant, or the end of a line of ancestors, just as modern art is a descendant of past art that contributed to its style and technique.

The word descendant comes from the word "descend" which means to move in a downward direction. Note that the word can also be spelled with an "-ent" ending. Philosopher Herbert Spencer wrote, “The wise man must remember that while he is a descendant of the past, he is a parent of the future.” Have you ever wondered what your descendants will know about you? Perhaps you could leave them your peanut butter and banana sandwich recipe.

Definitions of descendant
  1. noun
    a person considered as descended from some ancestor or race
    synonyms: descendent
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    ancestor
    someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
    types:
    child
    a member of a clan or tribe
    scion
    a descendent or heir
    type of:
    relation, relative
    a person related by blood or marriage
  2. adjective
    going or coming down
    synonyms: descendent
    descending
    coming down or downward
  3. adjective
    proceeding by descent from an ancestor
    synonyms: descendent
    related
    connected by kinship, common origin, or marriage
Pronunciation
US
/dɪˈsɛndɪnt/
UK
/dɪˈsɛndɪnt/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘descendant'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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