rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -ant-
Latin

-ant-

doing or being something

Forms

  • -ans
  • -ant- — The longer form used before Latin endings.

Origin

A Latin action-describing ending, especially associated with verbs in -are; part of the older -nt- pattern.

Note

English often retains the longer -ant form after the Latin ending is removed.

6 / 41
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
aLatinto, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis
+scendLatinclimb
+antLatindoing or being something

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.

Full entry

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