Ascendancy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ascendancy

[ษ™หˆsendษ™nsi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

influence

Ascendancy refers to a position of power, authority, or influence over others. It is the state of being dominant or having control over a particular situation or group of people.

Synonyms

control, dominance, influence, supremacy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ascendancy

Typically used to describe a position of power or influence that has been gained over time, especially in a social or political context.

  • With the election results, the party has gained a significant ascendancy in the government.
  • The companyโ€™s ascendancy in the tech industry can be traced back to its innovative products.
dominance

Used to describe a strong position of power, influence, or control, often in a competitive or hierarchical setting.

  • Their dominance in the market has been unchallenged for years.
  • The alpha animal shows dominance over the rest of the group.
supremacy

Implies the highest rank or authority, often with a connotation of being superior to others, and can sometimes be interpreted negatively if it suggests an oppressive rule.

  • The countryโ€™s military supremacy makes it a global power.
  • They fought for supremacy in the competitive market.
control

Commonly used to indicate the ability to direct or manage something or someone, often implying a balanced or structured power.

  • The manager has complete control over the project.
  • She maintained control of her emotions during the stressful meeting.
influence

Refers to the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something without direct control.

  • The teacher had a positive influence on his studentsโ€™ lives.
  • Social media can have a powerful influence on young people.

Examples of usage

  • The royal family maintained their ascendancy over the country for centuries.
  • Her intelligence and charisma gave her ascendancy in the business world.
  • The company's financial ascendancy allowed it to expand rapidly.
  • Political parties often struggle for ascendancy in elections.
  • His ascendancy in the field of science was widely recognized.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • In the 19th century, the term described the rise of certain political powers during the age of imperialism.
  • The ascendancy of the British Empire marked a significant shift in global politics and trade.

Sociology

  • Groups can achieve ascendancy through social movements, gaining more rights and visibility.
  • The concept can also apply in the workplace, where individuals or teams assert more responsibility and influence.

Psychology

  • Feeling a sense of ascendancy can boost a person's confidence and motivate them to take on leadership roles.
  • Psychological studies suggest that people often seek positions of ascendancy to fulfill needs for power and recognition.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and books, characters often struggle for ascendancy, depicting classic conflict between heroes and villains.
  • Music genres can experience ascendancy when one style becomes more popular or influential than others.

Origin of 'ascendancy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'ascendere', meaning 'to climb up'.
  • It entered English in the late 16th century, showing how languages borrow from one another over time.

The word 'ascendancy' originates from the Latin word 'ascendentia', meaning 'a rising'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of ascendancy has been a significant theme throughout history, reflecting power dynamics and struggles for control in various contexts.


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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,193, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.