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 notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like ascension.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- ascensions
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").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for ascension
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for ascension →
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.
