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noun Uncommon

ascension

uh-SEHN-shuhn

Ascension (noun) means the act of rising or moving upward, especially to a position of power or a higher spiritual state. Example: “Her ascension to head of the department surprised no one.”

noun
1
The act of rising or moving upward, especially to a position of power or a higher spiritual state.
"Her ascension to head of the department surprised no one."
"The Ascension refers to the belief that Jesus rose bodily into heaven forty days after his resurrection."

How to use ascension

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rise to a higher position, status, or (in Christian belief) a rise into heaven.

Common mistake

Not to be confused with "ascent," the everyday word for the act or process of climbing/rising; "ascension" is more formal and often religious.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
ascension to power the Ascension ascension to the throne

Word forms

ascensions plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her _____ to head of the department surprised no one.

Etymology

From Latin ascensio, "a climbing up," from ascendere ("to ascend").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for ascension

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Frequently asked questions

What does “ascension” mean?

The word “ascension” means the act of rising or moving upward, especially to a position of power or a higher spiritual state. In plain terms, a rise to a higher position, status, or (in Christian belief) a rise into heaven.

How do you pronounce “ascension”?

“Ascension” is pronounced uh-SEHN-shuhn (/əˈsɛnʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “ascension” in a sentence?

Here is “ascension” used in a sentence: “Her ascension to head of the department surprised no one.”

What part of speech is “ascension”?

“Ascension” is a noun.

Where does the word “ascension” come from?

The word “ascension” comes from Latin. From Latin ascensio, "a climbing up," from ascendere ("to ascend").

Is “ascension” a common word?

“Ascension” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial