ascension
UK: əˈsenʃn | US: əˈsenʃn
n. the act of rising or moving upward
n. (theology) the ascent of Christ into heaven
n. advancement to a higher rank or position
The word "ascension" derives from the Latin verb ascendere (to climb, rise), composed of ad- (toward) + scandere (to climb). The noun suffix -sion (from Latin -tio) transforms the verb into a noun denoting the action or process. Over time, "ascension" evolved in English to broadly signify upward movement, spiritual elevation (e.g., Christ's Ascension), or social advancement. The morpheme ascend preserves the core idea of climbing, while -sion marks it as an abstract concept.
The hot air balloon's ascension was swift and smooth.
The Ascension of Christ is celebrated 40 days after Easter.
Her rapid ascension to CEO surprised the industry.
The climbers began their ascension at dawn.
Scientific progress often follows the ascension of new theories.