English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

adj

ascendant

uh-SEHNDNT

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Ascendant (adj) means rising in power, influence, or status; dominant. Example: “The party's ascendant wing pushed for bolder reforms.”

adj

1

Rising in power, influence, or status; dominant.

"The party's ascendant wing pushed for bolder reforms."

"Her career was clearly in the ascendant after the award."

noun

1

A position of dominance or commanding influence, especially in the phrase "in the ascendant."

"Support for the policy is in the ascendant."

How to use ascendant

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRising toward dominance or greater influence; often used in the fixed phrase "in the ascendant."

When to use it

Fairly formal; common in political, business, and astrological writing.

Common pairings

in the ascendant ascendant power ascendant influence

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: ascendants
Comparative: more ascendant
Superlative: most ascendant

Test yourself on “ascendant” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The party's _____ wing pushed for bolder reforms.

Etymology

From Latin ascendens, the present participle of ascendere ("to climb, rise") — the same root as "ascend."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

root ancestor ascendent antecedent dominating ascensive

Antonyms

subordinate descending

Related words

cause former source base solution prior theme secondary

Rhymes for ascendant

pendant defendant dependant attendant intendant descendant

See all rhymes for ascendant →

Frequently asked questions

What does “ascendant” mean?

The word “ascendant” means rising in power, influence, or status; dominant. In plain terms, rising toward dominance or greater influence; often used in the fixed phrase "in the ascendant.".

How do you pronounce “ascendant”?

“Ascendant” is pronounced uh-SEHNDNT (/əˈsɛndənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “ascendant” in a sentence?

Here is “ascendant” used in a sentence: “The party's ascendant wing pushed for bolder reforms.”

What part of speech is “ascendant”?

Depending on how it is used, “ascendant” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “ascendant” come from?

The word “ascendant” comes from Latin. From Latin ascendens, the present participle of ascendere ("to climb, rise") — the same root as "ascend.".

How many meanings does “ascendant” have?

“Ascendant” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: rising in power, influence, or status; dominant.

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