Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of moving or going upward: The process of rising or climbing to a higher position, level, or state.
   • (Astronomy) The rising of a celestial body above the horizon: The moment when a star, planet, or other celestial object appears to move above the horizon line as observed from Earth.
   • (Christian theology) The bodily ascent of Jesus Christ into heaven: In the New Testament, the event occurring 40 days after the Resurrection, where Jesus is taken up into heaven.
   • A movement upward: An instance of something increasing in height, level, or status.
   • (Christianity) A feast day commemorating Christ's Ascension: A religious observance held on the 40th day after Easter Sunday.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The climber's slow ascension of the mountain was carefully planned. (The climber's slow upward movement on the mountain was carefully planned.)
  • We calculated the time of the star's ascension. (We calculated the time the star rose above the horizon.)
  • The painting depicts the Ascension of Christ. (The painting depicts Christ's bodily ascent into heaven.)
  • Her rapid ascension to a management position impressed everyone. (Her rapid upward movement to a management position impressed everyone.)
  • The church service for Ascension Day was very moving. (The church service for the feast day of the Ascension was very moving.)

Advanced Usage

• "Right ascension": In astronomy, a coordinate used to specify the east-west position of a celestial point on the celestial sphere, analogous to longitude on Earth.

  • The astronomer noted the object's right ascension and declination.

• "Ascension to the throne": The act of becoming a monarch.

  • The nation celebrated the new king's ascension to the throne.

Variants and Related Words

• Ascend (verb): To move, climb, or go upward.
  • The path ascends to the summit.
• Ascendant (adjective/noun): Rising in power or influence; a position of dominance.
  • The party was in the ascendant after the election.
• Ascensional (adjective): Relating to or involving ascent.
  • The ascensional force of the hot air lifted the balloon.

Synonyms

• Rise: An upward movement.
• Ascent: The act of climbing or moving up.
• Climb: An act of ascending, especially using effort.
• Elevation: The action of raising to a higher level or position.

Related Phrases

• Ascension Day: The Christian feast day commemorating the Ascension of Christ.
  • Schools were closed for Ascension Day.
• Line of ascension: The path or sequence of upward movement or succession.
  • He was next in the line of ascension for the family business.

Related Idioms

• On the ascendant: Increasing in power, popularity, or influence.
  • After the successful product launch, the company's fortunes were on the ascendant.

Noun

1. the act of changing location in an upward direction
2. (astronomy) the rising of a star above the horizon
3. (New Testament) the rising of the body of Jesus into heaven on the 40th day after his Resurrection
4. a movement upward
   • they cheered the rise of the hot-air balloon
5. (Christianity) celebration of the Ascension of Christ into heaven; observed on the 40th day after Easter