Rising in power or importance; in a position of advantage or dominance.
From Latin 'ascendere' meaning to climb or rise up. Originally an astrological term describing planets rising above the horizon, later meaning rising in power or influence.
Astrologers tracked when planets rose above the horizon and called it 'ascendant'—now when we say someone's star is 'in the ascendant,' we're still using their ancient sky-watching language.
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