descent ~ decent:
[‘descent’ has a short first vowel sound, and ‘decent’ has a long first vowel sound — roughly “di.sent” and “dee.suhnt” — for the right pronunciation, please click here]
a steep descent (down slope)
“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’,
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]
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decent people, good to one another
“Decent” (adjective — for the right pronunciation, please click here) means ‘proper; socially acceptable; very suitable behaviour; clean and respectable’,
e.g.
Nikki has a decent disposition; we all love to be with her all the time.
Where can I find a decent hotel in this dirty town!
