Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about ascendancy (AI summary)

In literature the term “ascendancy” is often employed to capture the notion of an emerging or established dominance—whether in intimate relationships, political arenas, or even abstract realms of influence. It is used to depict scenarios where one character or idea gradually or forcefully gains control over another, as when an individual exerts an almost irresistible power over a family member or lover [1, 2, 3]. At other times, writers extend its meaning to broader social or political contexts, illustrating the rise and eventual supremacy of a faction, ideology, or nation [4, 5, 6]. This versatile term enriches narratives by reflecting the complex, often evolving interplay of power, be it in personal bonds or the larger schemes of history and society [7, 8].
  1. And so great was his invariable and irresistible ascendancy over his mother that even now she could not bring herself to pull away her hand.
    — from The possessed : by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  2. Little by little she obtained an extraordinary ascendancy over the fond parent, who admired almost as much as he loved her.
    — from Petticoat Rule by Orczy, Emmuska Orczy, Baroness
  3. ‘His ascendancy over papa,’ said Agnes, ‘is very great.
    — from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
  4. How changed were the times from the days when Metternich had used this as a strong support for the ascendancy of the House of Austria!
    — from Bismarck and the Foundation of the German Empire by James Wycliffe Headlam
  5. Easily the most striking thing in the history of the American Negro since 1876 is the ascendancy of Mr. Booker T. Washington.
    — from The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois
  6. On the other hand, long debates, dissensions and tumult proclaim the ascendancy of particular interests and the decline of the State.
    — from The Social Contract & Discourses by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
  7. In the midst of this appalling ruin of the monuments of man's power, nature asserted her ascendancy, and shone more beauteous from the contrast.
    — from The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
  8. It is this intensity which creates what is called a moral ascendancy.
    — from The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life by Émile Durkheim

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux