ascendent
|as-cend-ent|
/əˈsɛndənt/
rising upward
Etymology
'ascendent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ascendere', where the prefix 'ad-' (appearing as 'as-') meant 'to' and 'scandere' meant 'to climb'.
'ascendent' changed from the Latin verb 'ascendere' into Medieval and Middle English forms such as 'ascenden/ascend', later producing adjectival forms like French/Latin-influenced 'ascendant' and the English variant 'ascendent'.
Initially, it meant 'to climb' (literal physical rising); over time it evolved into meanings related to 'rising in rank, influence, or importance' and 'being dominant'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
(rare) A position of rising influence or dominance; the state of becoming ascendent.
The company's ascendent surprised many competitors.
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Adjective 1
rising or moving upward; increasing in strength or importance.
There is an ascendent trend in renewable energy investments.
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Adjective 2
having or tending toward dominance or greater influence (often used of a person, group, or idea).
The reformist faction has become ascendent within the party.
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Last updated: 2025/10/26 02:20