Ascendence

/əˈsɛndəns/ noun

Definition

The state or act of ascending or rising; dominance, power, or the condition of being highest in influence or rank.

Etymology

Variant spelling of 'ascendance,' used interchangeably since the 16th century. Both forms derive from Latin 'ascendentia' but evolved along slightly different paths in English usage.

Kelly Says

Both 'ascendence' and 'ascendance' are correct, but 'ascendance' appears far more frequently in modern English—linguistic evolution sometimes leaves multiple valid forms, but one becomes the standard.

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