Ascendant vs. Descendant: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 14, 2023
"Ascendant" refers to rising or becoming dominant, while "Descendant" pertains to someone's offspring or something coming down.
Key Differences
"Ascendant" and "Descendant" are terms that, at their core, revolve around directionality. While "Ascendant" conveys a movement upwards or a rise in position, "Descendant" usually refers to a downward movement or a lineage.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
In the realm of astrology, "Ascendant" denotes the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of one's birth. "Descendant," on the other hand, signifies the sign setting on the western horizon, representing relationships and partnerships in one's life.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
From a genealogical standpoint, while "Ascendant" isn't commonly used, "Descendant" denotes an individual's offspring or succeeding generations. It relates to ancestry but in the forward-looking sense, highlighting one's future lineage.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
"Ascendant" can also metaphorically mean something that is becoming more prominent or dominant. For instance, a technology can be in the ascendant, suggesting its rise in popularity. "Descendant" doesn't carry this metaphorical sense but strictly adheres to its meanings of downward direction or lineage.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
In summary, both "Ascendant" and "Descendant" are rich in meaning, offering insights into direction, lineage, and dominance, with each word having its distinct implications.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Astrological Meaning
Zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon
Sign setting on the western horizon
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Metaphorical Usage
Becoming dominant or more prominent
Doesn't have this metaphorical sense
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
General Connotation
Rise, dominance, or beginning
Downward movement or continuation of lineage
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
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Ascendant and Descendant Definitions
Ascendant
Rising or becoming dominant.
The tech industry is ascendant in today's economy.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Descendant
The zodiac sign setting on the western horizon at birth.
His descendant sign influences his relationships.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Ascendant
The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at birth.
Her ascendant sign is Leo.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Descendant
A person's offspring or future generations.
She is the descendant of a famous poet.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
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Descendant
One whose descent can be traced to a particular individual or group
A descendant of Queen Victoria.
Descendants of a prize-winning horse.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Descendant
Something derived from a prototype or earlier form
Today's bicycles are descendants of the earlier velocipede.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Descendant
In astrology, the point of the ecliptic or the sign of the zodiac that sets in the west at the time of a person's birth or other event.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ascendant
The position or state of being dominant or in control
A conservative policy currently in the ascendant.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Descendant
Descending; going down
The elevator resumed its descendant trajectory.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ascendant
In astrology, the point of the ecliptic or the sign of the zodiac that rises in the east at the time of a person's birth or other event.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Descendant
Descending from a biological ancestor.
Power in the kingdom is transferred in a descendant manner.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Descendant
One of the progeny of a specified person, at any distance of time or through any number of generations.
The patriarch survived many descendants: five children, a dozen grandchildren, even a great grandchild.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Descendant
(figuratively) A thing that derives directly from a given precursor or source.
This famous medieval manuscript has many descendants.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ascendant
Being in control; superiority, or commanding influence; ascendancy.
One man has the ascendant over another.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Descendant
(biology) A later evolutionary type.
Dogs evolved as descendants of early wolves.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Descendant
(linguistics) A language that is descended from another.
English and Scots are the descendants of Old English.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ascendant
(usually followed by to) A royal heir assuming (a place of power).
Given his father’s ghastly demise, one would not expect such glee from the ascendant to his throne.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Descendant
(linguistics) A word or form in one language that is descended from a counterpart in an ancestor language.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ascendant
(astrology) The horoscope, or that degree of the ecliptic which rises above the horizon at the moment of one's birth; supposed to have a commanding influence on a person's life and fortune.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Descendant
One who descends, as offspring, however remotely; - correlative to ancestor or ascendant.
Our first parents and their descendants.
The descendant of so many kings and emperors.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ascendant
Ascent; height; elevation.
Sciences that were then in their highest ascendant.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ascendant
The horoscope, or that degree of the ecliptic which rises above the horizon at the moment of one's birth; supposed to have a commanding influence on a person's life and fortune.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ascendant
Superiority, or commanding influence; ascendency; as, one man has the ascendant over another.
Chievres had acquired over the mind of the young monarch the ascendant not only of a tutor, but of a parent.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Descendant
Something that has descended or come down.
The ring was a descendant from ancient times.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Ascendant
An ancestor, or one who precedes in genealogy or degrees of kindred; a relative in the ascending line; a progenitor; - opposed to descendant.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Descendant
Originating or descending from a source.
The style is descendant from classic architecture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Ascendant
Rising toward the zenith; above the horizon.
The constellation . . . about that time ascendant.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Descendant
Moving in a downward direction.
The path was descendant towards the valley.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Ascendant
Superior; surpassing; ruling.
An ascendant spirit over him.
The ascendant community obtained a surplus of wealth.
Without some power of persuading or confuting, of defending himself against accusations, . . . no man could possibly hold an ascendent position.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ascendant
Position or state of being dominant or in control;
That idea was in the ascendant
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ascendant
Someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ascendant
Tending or directed upward;
Rooted and ascendant strength like that of foliage
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ascendant
Most powerful or important or influential;
The economically ascendant class
D-day is considered the dominating event of the war in Europe
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
FAQs
Does "Descendant" always pertain to offspring?
Often, but it can also indicate a downward direction or astrological meaning.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Can a technology be "Ascendant"?
Yes, meaning it's becoming more popular or dominant.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Do "Ascendant" and "Descendant" have opposite meanings?
Largely, yes. "Ascendant" often means rising, while "Descendant" refers to coming down or lineage.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Is "Ascendant" only an astrological term?
No, it has broader meanings, like rising or becoming dominant.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Is "Descendant" used in genealogy?
Yes, to refer to someone's future lineage or offspring.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Can a book be a "Descendant" of a genre?
Figuratively, suggesting it originated or was influenced by that genre.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Is "Descendant" about the past?
It relates to lineage, which can be about both past ancestors and future generations.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Can a company be in the "Ascendant"?
Metaphorically, yes, suggesting its rise or dominance in the market.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Can "Ascendant" indicate ancestry?
Rarely, but it can sometimes denote ancestors.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Do "Ascendant" and "Descendant" have historical relevance?
"Descendant" more so, referring to lineage. "Ascendant" can metaphorically indicate dominance.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Is the "Descendant" sign in astrology about relationships?
Yes, it can influence one's relationships and partnerships.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Are the terms used in scientific contexts?
Rarely, but "Descendant" might be used in evolutionary contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Can a mountain have an "Ascendant" slope?
Not typically. "Ascendant" suggests a rise in position or dominance.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Can "Descendant" be about endings?
Not directly, but it might suggest the continuation or result of something.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Is "Ascendant" always positive?
Not necessarily. It means rising or becoming dominant, but context determines positivity.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Do both terms relate to family trees?
Mostly "Descendant," referring to offspring. "Ascendant" can sometimes mean ancestors.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Does "Descendant" mean inferior?
No, it refers to direction or lineage, not quality or value.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Can an idea be "Ascendant"?
Metaphorically, suggesting the idea is gaining traction or popularity.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Is "Ascendant" about beginnings?
It can be, especially in terms of rise or emergence.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Can "Ascendant" indicate leadership?
Yes, it can suggest someone rising to a leadership position.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
