Understanding Antonyms: The Opposite of 'Ascend'

The question asks us to find the correct antonym for the word 'Ascend'. An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. We need to understand the meaning of 'Ascend' first.

'Ascend' means to move upward, climb, or go up something. For example, you ascend a mountain or ascend stairs.

Analyzing the Options for 'Ascend' Antonym

Let's look at the meaning of each option provided:

• arrive: This means to reach a destination or come to a place. It is not related to the direction of movement in the context of ascending.
• expand: This means to become larger or more extensive. It doesn't refer to moving upward or downward.
• increase: This means to become or make greater in size, amount, or degree. Similar to 'expand', it relates to quantity or size, not vertical direction.
• descend: This means to move downward, go down, or slope downward. This is the direct opposite of moving upward.

Identifying the Correct Antonym

Comparing the meanings, the word that signifies the opposite of moving upward ('Ascend') is 'descend', which means moving downward.

Therefore, the correct antonym for 'Ascend' is descend.