DictionaryRoot: ad-
Latin

ad-

to, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

Forms

  • ad-
  • ac- — Used before c in Latin.
  • af- — Used before f in Latin.
  • ag- — Used before g in Latin.
  • al- — Used before l in Latin.
  • ap- — Used before p in Latin.
  • ar- — Used before r in Latin.
  • as- — Used before s in Latin.
  • at- — Used before t in Latin.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *ad, ‘to; near.’

Note

Later Latin-based spellings sometimes restored consonants that had disappeared in French.

220 / 297
A compact before-and-after committee scene shows the same man's influence growing: initially sidelined with an unaccepted proposal, he later commands the group's attention as members adopt his distinctive design.
adjective / noun

ascendant

uh-SEN-dunt/ʌsˈɛndʌnt/

Growing or prevailing power or influence.

Etymology

The climbing image first described heavenly bodies rising over the horizon. The connection with influence also reflects astrology: the planet ruling the ascendant was believed to dominate the horoscope.

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