Ascendant vs. Descendant: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
"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.
In summary, both "Ascendant" and "Descendant" are rich in meaning, offering insights into direction, lineage, and dominance, with each word having its distinct implications.
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Comparison Chart
Directionality
Upward or rising
Downward or lineage
Astrological Meaning
Zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon
Sign setting on the western horizon
Genealogical Relevance
Not common
Pertains to offspring or future generations
Metaphorical Usage
Becoming dominant or more prominent
Doesn't have this metaphorical sense
General Connotation
Rise, dominance, or beginning
Downward movement or continuation of lineage
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Ascendant and Descendant Definitions
Ascendant
Rising or becoming dominant.
The tech industry is ascendant in today's economy.
Descendant
The zodiac sign setting on the western horizon at birth.
His descendant sign influences his relationships.
Ascendant
The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at birth.
Her ascendant sign is Leo.
Descendant
A person's offspring or future generations.
She is the descendant of a famous poet.
Ascendant
Superior or sovereign.
The king was the ascendant ruler of the land.
Descendant
One whose descent can be traced to a particular individual or group
A descendant of Queen Victoria.
Descendants of a prize-winning horse.
Ascendant
A person's ancestors.
She traced back to her ascendant lineage.
Descendant
Something derived from a prototype or earlier form
Today's bicycles are descendants of the earlier velocipede.
Ascendant
Inclining or moving upward; ascending or rising.
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.
Ascendant
Dominant in position or influence; superior.
Descendant
Variant of descendent.
Ascendant
The position or state of being dominant or in control
A conservative policy currently in the ascendant.
Descendant
Descending; going down
The elevator resumed its descendant trajectory.
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.
Descendant
Descending from a biological ancestor.
Power in the kingdom is transferred in a descendant manner.
Ascendant
An ancestor.
Descendant
Proceeding from a figurative ancestor or source.
Ascendant
Rising, moving upward.
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.
Ascendant
Surpassing or controlling.
Descendant
(figuratively) A thing that derives directly from a given precursor or source.
This famous medieval manuscript has many descendants.
Ascendant
Being in control; superiority, or commanding influence; ascendancy.
One man has the ascendant over another.
Descendant
(biology) A later evolutionary type.
Dogs evolved as descendants of early wolves.
Ascendant
An ancestor.
Descendant
(linguistics) A language that is descended from another.
English and Scots are the descendants of Old English.
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.
Descendant
(linguistics) A word or form in one language that is descended from a counterpart in an ancestor language.
Ascendant
Ascent; height; elevation.
Descendant
Descendent.
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.
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.
Ascendant
Ascent; height; elevation.
Sciences that were then in their highest ascendant.
Descendant
A person considered as descended from some ancestor or race
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.
Descendant
Going or coming down
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.
Descendant
Something that has descended or come down.
The ring was a descendant from ancient times.
Ascendant
An ancestor, or one who precedes in genealogy or degrees of kindred; a relative in the ascending line; a progenitor; - opposed to descendant.
Descendant
Originating or descending from a source.
The style is descendant from classic architecture.
Ascendant
Rising toward the zenith; above the horizon.
The constellation . . . about that time ascendant.
Descendant
Moving in a downward direction.
The path was descendant towards the valley.
Ascendant
Rising; ascending.
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.
Ascendant
Position or state of being dominant or in control;
That idea was in the ascendant
Ascendant
Someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
Ascendant
Tending or directed upward;
Rooted and ascendant strength like that of foliage
Ascendant
Most powerful or important or influential;
The economically ascendant class
D-day is considered the dominating event of the war in Europe
Ascendant
Moving upward; ascending.
The ascendant plane took off smoothly.
FAQs
Does "Descendant" always pertain to offspring?
Often, but it can also indicate a downward direction or astrological meaning.
Can a technology be "Ascendant"?
Yes, meaning it's becoming more popular or dominant.
Do "Ascendant" and "Descendant" have opposite meanings?
Largely, yes. "Ascendant" often means rising, while "Descendant" refers to coming down or lineage.
Is "Ascendant" only an astrological term?
No, it has broader meanings, like rising or becoming dominant.
Is "Descendant" used in genealogy?
Yes, to refer to someone's future lineage or offspring.
Can a book be a "Descendant" of a genre?
Figuratively, suggesting it originated or was influenced by that genre.
Is "Descendant" about the past?
It relates to lineage, which can be about both past ancestors and future generations.
Can a company be in the "Ascendant"?
Metaphorically, yes, suggesting its rise or dominance in the market.
Can "Ascendant" indicate ancestry?
Rarely, but it can sometimes denote ancestors.
Do "Ascendant" and "Descendant" have historical relevance?
"Descendant" more so, referring to lineage. "Ascendant" can metaphorically indicate dominance.
Is the "Descendant" sign in astrology about relationships?
Yes, it can influence one's relationships and partnerships.
Are the terms used in scientific contexts?
Rarely, but "Descendant" might be used in evolutionary contexts.
Can a mountain have an "Ascendant" slope?
Not typically. "Ascendant" suggests a rise in position or dominance.
Can "Descendant" be about endings?
Not directly, but it might suggest the continuation or result of something.
Is "Ascendant" always positive?
Not necessarily. It means rising or becoming dominant, but context determines positivity.
Do both terms relate to family trees?
Mostly "Descendant," referring to offspring. "Ascendant" can sometimes mean ancestors.
Does "Descendant" mean inferior?
No, it refers to direction or lineage, not quality or value.
Can an idea be "Ascendant"?
Metaphorically, suggesting the idea is gaining traction or popularity.
Is "Ascendant" about beginnings?
It can be, especially in terms of rise or emergence.
Can "Ascendant" indicate leadership?
Yes, it can suggest someone rising to a leadership position.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
