in the ascendant

I

in the ascendant

Meaning

• to become more powerful.
• on the rise to becoming more influential or more successful.
• to steadily increase.
• usually used positively to denote growth of a person or thing.

Example Sentences

1. The Jones’ have been in the ascendant ever since the 1800’s. They are now the most influential family in the United Kingdom, after the Queen’s own of course.
2. The price of buying this horse are in the ascendant ever since he has been winning races for his owners.
3. The price of gold has been in the ascendant since the time that I have been able to save enough money to be able to buy some.
4. She is doing quite well in her organisation and is very much in the ascendant to getting the promotion.
5. He is in the ascendant in the glamour world. He has got 4 assignments in this month and will be seen in advertisements.
6. By arguing with the elders she thinks she is in the ascendant but it is actually her downfall since her children are learning from how she behaves.
7. My career was in the ascendant when work was all that I had. But now that I am married and picked up more of home responsibilities, I have slowed it down by quite a bit.
8. Tom Hanks is very much in the ascendant in the film world, I’ve been also fan of his acting since I saw his movie “Cast Away“.

Origin

The phrase “in the ascendant” finds its roots in astrology, where the term “ascendant” refers to the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the time of an individual’s birth. This sign, also known as the “rising sign,” is believed to significantly influence a person’s personality and destiny. The concept of the ascendant has been integral to astrological practices since at least the late 14th century.

Evolution into Figurative Language

By the 1670s, the term “in the ascendant” had evolved beyond its astrological origins to describe something or someone that is “ruling” or “dominant.” This figurative usage captures the essence of rising influence or power, much like a celestial body ascending in the sky. The adjective form, meaning “superior” or “dominant,” emerged later, around 1806.

Earliest Recorded Usage

While the precise first appearance of “in the ascendant” in print is challenging to pinpoint, the phrase was documented in use by the 1670s to denote dominance or ruling status. This timing aligns with the broader trend of astrological terms permeating everyday language to express concepts of power and influence.

Contemporary Usage

Today, “in the ascendant” is employed to describe entities—be it individuals, groups, or movements—that are gaining power, influence, or popularity. It is widely used in modern contexts to indicate the growing prominence of a particular entity or idea.

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