Ascend: meaning, definitions and examples

⬆️
Add to dictionary

ascend

 

[ əˈsɛnd ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

movement

To go up or climb. To rise through the air. To move to a higher position or rank.

Synonyms

climb, move up, rise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ascend

Often used formally or in a grand context, such as describing climbing up steps, mountains, or achieving a higher position in a hierarchy or status.

  • She watched the balloons slowly ascend into the sky.
  • He will ascend to the throne after the King's abdication.
climb

Commonly used for physical actions involving moving upwards or scaling objects like mountains, ladders, or hills. It can also be used metaphorically for progressing in a career or personal goals.

  • They decided to climb the mountain despite the challenging weather.
  • He had to climb the corporate ladder to become the CEO.
rise

Can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Literally, it describes moving upwards or increasing height. Metaphorically, it describes increases in status, prices, or levels.

  • The sun will rise at 6:00 AM.
  • Their profits have risen by 20% this quarter.
move up

Typically used in informal situations to describe progressing to a higher position or level. It can apply to various contexts such as rankings, positions, or even geographically.

  • She will move up to second place if she wins this match.
  • He moved up to a managerial role after years of hard work.

Examples of usage

  • He began to ascend the steep mountain.
  • The hot air balloon started to ascend into the sky.
  • She quickly ascended to the position of manager.
Context #2 | Noun

religion

To go up or climb. To rise through the air. To move to a higher position or rank.

Synonyms

climb, move up, rise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ascend

Used in formal or poetic settings, often referring to moving upwards in a graceful or deliberate manner, such as climbing a mountain or moving towards a higher spiritual state.

  • She began to ascend the steep mountain path
  • After years of dedication, he felt his spirit begin to ascend
climb

Commonly used in everyday situations to describe physically going upwards, especially using hands and feet for support. It can be used both literally and figuratively.

  • He decided to climb the tree to rescue the cat
  • Despite the challenges, she continues to climb the corporate ladder
rise

Frequently used to describe something going upwards, either physically or metaphorically. It can describe elevation, increase in rank, or even the action of waking up.

  • The sun will rise at 6 AM tomorrow
  • He managed to rise above the difficulties and achieve success
move up

Typically used in informal contexts and often refers to progressing in rank, status, or physical position. It emphasizes progression rather than the action of climbing.

  • After three years with the company, she was ready to move up to a managerial position
  • The balloon started to move up slowly into the sky

Examples of usage

  • He began to ascend the steep mountain.
  • The hot air balloon started to ascend into the sky.
  • She quickly ascended to the position of manager.

Translations

Translations of the word "ascend" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subir

🇮🇳 चढ़ना

🇩🇪 aufsteigen

🇮🇩 naik

🇺🇦 підніматися

🇵🇱 wspinać się

🇯🇵 登る (noboru)

🇫🇷 monter

🇪🇸 ascender

🇹🇷 yükselmek

🇰🇷 오르다 (oreuda)

🇸🇦 يصعد

🇨🇿 stoupat

🇸🇰 stúpať

🇨🇳 上升 (shàngshēng)

🇸🇮 vzpenjati se

🇮🇸 hækkast

🇰🇿 көтерілу

🇬🇪 აღმართვა

🇦🇿 qalxmaq

🇲🇽 ascender

Etymology

The word 'ascend' comes from the Latin word 'ascendere', which is a combination of 'ad' (to) and 'scandere' (to climb). It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to the act of climbing or moving upwards. The concept of ascension has been prominent in various religious and spiritual beliefs, symbolizing a journey towards higher realms or enlightenment.

See also: ascendable, ascendancy, ascended, ascending, ascension.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,227, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.