ascendant

1 of 2

noun

as·​cen·​dant ə-ˈsen-dənt 

variants or less commonly ascendent

1

: the point of the ecliptic or degree of the zodiac that rises above the eastern horizon at any moment

2

: a state or position of dominant power or importance

3

: a lineal or collateral relative in the ascending line

ascendant

2 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly ascendent

1

a

: moving upward : rising

b

: directed upward

an ascendant stem

2

a

: superior

b

: dominant sense 1a

ascendantly adverb

Examples of ascendant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As recently as 18 months ago, Trump was still trailing an ascendant DeSantis in polls and faced what most friends and enemies alike considered daunting political and legal obstacles. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 17 July 2024

So, how does this affect you when your ascendant — the sign responsible for how people perceive you — falls in Cancer? —Stephanie Sengwe, Peoplemag, 21 June 2024

Adjective

Pointing to history, the theory holds that ascendant powers routinely emerge to challenge the dominant power and the international order established by it, eventually leading to conflict. —Manjari Chatterjee Miller, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024

Francis Coppola’s gangster epic ends with ascendant Mafia don Michael Corleone shutting a door in the face of his wife, Kay, played by Diane Keaton, visually declaring that this is a world of men over which women hold no sway. —Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 12 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ascendent, from Medieval Latin ascendent-, ascendens, from Latin, present participle of ascendere

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing ascendant

• in the ascendant

Kids Definition

ascendant

1 of 2 noun

as·​cen·​dant ə-ˈsen-dənt 

: a state or position of commanding power

ascendant

2 of 2 adjective

1

: moving up : rising

2

a

: in a superior position

b

: inclined to control

Legal Definition

ascendant

noun

as·​cen·​dant

ə-ˈsen-dənt

: ancestor