a gradual ascent vs a gradual descent

Both phrases are correct, but they convey opposite meanings. 'A gradual ascent' refers to a slow and steady increase in elevation, while 'a gradual descent' indicates a slow and steady decrease in elevation. The choice between the two depends on whether you are describing something moving upwards or downwards.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 1335 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a slow and steady increase in elevation.

"a gradual ascent "

Use 'a gradual ascent' when you want to convey the idea of something moving slowly and steadily upwards in terms of elevation or level.

Examples:

The hikers made a gradual ascent to the mountaintop.
The plane began its gradual ascent into the sky.
The stock market experienced a gradual ascent over the past month.

Show examples from the web [+]

2. upward slope, rise, incline, ramp, gradient, rising ground, acclivity It was a tough course over a gradual ascent. 3. rise, rising, climb, ascension, upward ...
Two New Dive Types with a Gradual Ascent Phase in Flatback Turtles (Natator depressus). Jannie Bech Sperling School of Life Sciences, University of ...
West of the Mu river, in the centre of the district, there is a gradual ascent to the hills which divide Sagaing from the Upper Chindwin. Christ flew upward with his ...
Words used to describe changes: · away, cosmetic, developmental... Explore Thesaurus. 2. a gradual slope is not steep. a gradual ascent to the top of the hill.

Alternatives:

a slow climb
a steady rise
a gradual increase
a slow upward movement
a gentle incline

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a slow and steady decrease in elevation.

"a gradual descent "

Use 'a gradual descent' when you want to convey the idea of something moving slowly and steadily downwards in terms of elevation or level.

Examples:

The airplane began its gradual descent towards the airport.
The river flowed in a gradual descent towards the valley.
The temperature showed a gradual descent as winter approached.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jun 30, 2007 ... A Gradual Descent. Chapter 1: Salt. Author: Knowhere. Rating: R. Disclaimer: Nothing. AN: Surprise! I don't even know where this came from.
Jan 7, 2016 ... A gradual descent into autocracy. During the campaigns for the 2015 elections, and following concerns that he was an unrepentant tyrant and ...
Jan 21, 2016 ... A gradual descent into autocracy (3): an atavistic longing for a strongman. It is possible to rationalise why President Buhari is romancing with ...
Jan 14, 2016 ... A gradual descent into autocracy (2): Destroying institutions to salvage the country. One of the enduring tragedies of post-colonies, especially in ...

Alternatives:

a slow decline
a steady decrease
a gradual drop
a slow downward movement
a gentle decline

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a gradual ascent vs a gradual descent

"a gradual ascent "

"a gradual descent "

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