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Definition of ascend

ascend

/əˈsɛnd/
as · cend
Adjective:ascendant
•
Past Simple:ascended
•
Past Participle:ascended
•
Present Participle:ascending
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ascend Lexical Profile

ascend Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To go up or climb toward a higher physical point or elevation.

Example

"The hikers began to ascend the steep mountain trail at dawn."

2

To rise to an important position, higher rank, or seat of power (such as a throne).

Example

"She ascended to the role of chief executive after a decade with the firm."

3

To rise in pitch, volume, or numerical value along a scale.

Example

"The choir's voices ascended to a powerful crescendo at the end of the piece."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ascend
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ascend

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'ascend' (to climb or move upward) with its homophone 'assent' (to express agreement or approval).

• Rhymes for ascend

• Nearby Words

asahan
asarina
asbestos
ascend
ascendance
ascendant
ascending

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin 'ascendere' ('to climb up, mount'), formed from 'ad-' ('to, toward') and 'scandere' ('to climb'), the same root found in 'descend' and 'transcend'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ascend. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ascend
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