adjective / noun

ascendant

uh-SEN-dunt/ʌsˈɛndʌnt/

Growing or prevailing power or influence.

The man's influence is ascendant as the committee adopts his once-rejected design.

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.

Etymology

aLatinto, toward

+scendLatinto climb

+antLatinpresent participle ending

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.

In context

United States Institute of Peace489:08

China has has been an ascendant Rising power economically and in other ways

Passing the Baton 2017: America's Role in the World (Full Day)

More examples

The younger faction is in the ascendant.
Her ascendant influence reshaped the committee.
The report examines an ascendant political coalition.

Similar words

dominant: Already holds the greatest power rather than necessarily gaining it.
rising: Emphasizes increasing success without necessarily prevailing influence.