ascendancy
uh-SEN-duhn-see
/əˈsɛndənsi/
Occupation of a position of dominant power or influence.
Suggests a gradual rising to a state of dominance, rather than a sudden seizure of power, and often implies a moral or intellectual superiority.
The story behind the word. From the Latin ascendere (to climb up). Historically, it had astrological roots, referring to the planet or zodiac sign rising above the eastern horizon, which was believed to exert a dominant influence over a person's life.
Word relationships
- dominance: Dominance is the state of being in control, whereas ascendancy emphasizes the process of rising to and holding that dominant position.
- decline: Decline is a gradual loss of power or status, whereas ascendancy is the rise to or possession of supreme power.
Commonly confused with
- ascension: Ascension is the literal physical act of rising upward (like a balloon or a soul to heaven), while ascendancy is the abstract state of having dominant power.
Word family
- ascendant (adjective): Rising in power or influence.
Collocations
- gain ascendancy
- moral ascendancy
- political ascendancy
- in the ascendancy
Example sentences
- "The ascendancy of the Roman Empire was built on military discipline." History
- "The political party gained ascendancy after the economic collapse." Politics
Memory hook
As you ASCEND (climb up) the ladder of success, you gain ASCENDANCY over your competitors. Climbing to the top spot of power.
When not to use
Do not use for a static, long-established power that is not actively rising or maintaining its peak.
Fun facts
- In astrology, the 'ascendant' is the sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth, which medieval rulers believed dictated their political destiny and power.
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