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Definition of ascent noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

ascent

noun
 
/əˈsent/
 
/əˈsent/
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  1. [countable, usually singular] the act of climbing or moving up; a journey that goes up something
    • the first ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro
    • The cart began its gradual ascent up the hill.
    • The rocket steepened its ascent.
    • ascent to something their ascent to the summit
    opposite descent
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • gradual
    • slow
    verb + ascent
    • make
    • begin
    • start
    • …
    preposition
    • ascent from
    • ascent to
    See full entry
  2. [countable, usually singular] ascent (to something) a path or slope that goes up something
    • At the other side of the valley was a steep ascent to the top of the hill.
    opposite descent
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • steep
    • long
    verb + ascent
    • climb
    See full entry
  3. [uncountable] ascent (to something) (formal) the process of moving forward to a better position or of making progress
    • man’s ascent to civilization
    • her rapid ascent to power
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • rapid
    • gradual
    preposition
    • ascent to
    See full entry
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    4. Word Originlate 16th cent.: from ascend, on the pattern of the pair of descend, descent.
See ascent in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee ascent in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
Check pronunciation: ascent

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