ascendent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun position or state of being dominant or in control
    ascendant.
    • that idea was in the ascendant
  2. noun someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
    antecedent; ancestor; ascendant; root.
  3. adjective satellite tending or directed upward
    ascensive; ascendant.
    • rooted and ascendant strength like that of foliage"- John Ruskin
  4. adjective satellite most powerful or important or influential
    dominating; ascendant.
    • the economically ascendant class
    • D-day is considered the dominating event of the war in Europe

WordNet


As*cend"ant noun
Etymology
F. ascendant, L. ascendens; p. pr. of ascendere.
Definitions
  1. Ascent; height; elevation. R.
    Sciences that were then in their highest ascendant. Temple.
  2. (Astrol.) The horoscope, or that degree of the ecliptic which rises above the horizon at the moment of one's birth; supposed to have a commanding influence on a person's life and fortune. ✍ Hence the phrases To be in the ascendant, to have commanding power or influence, and Lord of the ascendant, one who has possession of such power or influence; as, to rule, for a while, lord of the ascendant. Burke.
  3. Superiority, or commanding influence; ascendency; as, one man has the ascendant over another.
    Chievres had acquired over the mind of the young monarch the ascendant not only of a tutor, but of a parent. Robertson.
  4. An ancestor, or one who precedes in genealogy or degrees of kindred; a relative in the ascending line; a progenitor; -- opposed to descendant. Ayliffe.
As*cend"ant, As*cend"ent adjective (Also<
  • Ascendant
  • Ascendent
)
Definitions
  1. Rising toward the zenith; above the horizon.
    The constellation . . . about that time ascendant. Browne.
  2. Rising; ascending. Ruskin.
  3. Superior; surpassing; ruling.
    An ascendant spirit over him. South.
    The ascendant community obtained a surplus of wealth. J. S. Mill.
    Without some power of persuading or confuting, of defending himself against accusations, . . . no man could possibly hold an ascendent position. Grote.

Webster 1913