ascend

/əˈsend/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈsend/ (ame, ipa) · /ə-ˈsend/ (ame, mw)

ascend — verb

  • ascendpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • ascendshe / she / it
  • ascendedpast simple
  • ascending-ing form

1. to go higher by climbing, rising, or moving toward the top of something

1.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to go higher by climbing, rising, or moving toward the top of something

例句

Rafael slowly ascended the stone steps to the old hill temple.

ascend + noun + to + place

Hot air from the fire made sparks ascend into the dark sky.

同義詞
  • climb

    more common when someone uses their body to go up something steep

  • rise

    often used for things moving upward without effort, such as smoke or the sun

  • go up

    everyday and less formal than 'ascend'

反義詞
  • descend

    go downward from a higher place

  • drop

    move or fall lower, often without control

文法句型

ascend + noun

ascend to + place/height

用法筆記

More formal than 'go up' or 'climb'. It is common with routes, heights, and things that rise into the air, and it often takes a direct object such as 'stairs', 'hill', or 'path'.

常見錯誤

❌The balloon ascended down behind the trees.
✅The balloon descended behind the trees.
💡'ascend' means move upward, not downward.
❌We ascended up the tower before lunch.
✅We ascended the tower before lunch.
💡do not add 'up' because the upward meaning is already inside 'ascend'.

2. to reach a more powerful or important position, especially in work, politics, or

2.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to reach a more powerful or important position, especially in work, politics, or royalty

例句

After ten steady years, Padma ascended to the role of hospital director.

ascend to + role

When the old king died, his eldest daughter ascended the throne.

ascend the throne

同義詞
  • rise

    broad verb for moving to a higher level, rank, or status

  • advance

    often used for step-by-step progress in a job or organization

  • succeed

    formal and especially used when someone takes over a royal or official position

反義詞
  • step down

    leave an important job or position of power

  • fall

    lose rank, influence, or power

文法句型

ascend to + rank/position

ascend + noun (the throne)

用法筆記

Usually found in formal writing about careers, politics, and royal families. Common patterns include 'ascend to power', 'ascend to leadership', and 'ascend the throne'.

常見錯誤

❌She ascended as director last year.
✅She ascended to the role of director last year.
💡use 'to' before the higher position, not 'as'.
❌The company ascended him to manager.
✅He ascended to the manager's role.
💡'ascend' usually describes the person's rise, not an employer promoting someone.