Ascension

/əˈsɛnʃən/

nounIntermediate📊CommonAction
1 meaning2 questions

Definitions

1

The act of rising; a rising to a higher point or level.

/əˈsɛnʃən/

nounneutralIntermediate
Action

The act of rising or ascending.

The ascension of the hot air balloon was spectacular.

💡 Simply: Going up or rising.

More Examples

2

His rapid ascension through the company ranks surprised everyone.

How It's Used

Religious

"The ascension of Jesus Christ is a central tenet of Christian belief."

Astronomy

"The ascension of the star was observed by the astronomers."

From Latin *ascensio*, from *ascendere* "to climb, ascend," from *ad-* "to" + *scandere* "to climb".

Historically, 'ascension' has been used frequently in religious contexts, particularly in relation to the ascension of Jesus Christ. Its secular use broadened over time.

Memory tip

Think of 'ascending' – going up.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"to climb"

Base: ascend
rapid ascensionspiritual ascensionsocial ascension

Common misspellings

ascencionascentionacension

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written