Ascending and descending are the orders by which we describe going up or going down the ladder of an event.
Ascending vs Descending
The main difference between ascending and descending is that ascending refers to going up or climbing up or moving ahead of the path of a given event whereas descending means going down or climbing down or moving backwards the path of a given event. Both these words function within the same sphere but their actions are the exact opposite to each other.
Ascending precisely means rising in a given order, for example going from A to B, B to C, or, 1 to 2, 2 to 3 etc. It means moving ahead in the path. Descending, on the other hand, means falling is going down in a given order, for example going from C to B, B to A, or, 3 to 2, 2 to 1, etc. Both the orders describe movement in the exact opposite direction.
The ordering of characters is proportional to the numbers or measurements presented within the group for classification. Ascending refers to an increase in size or amount, inflation that is, while descending is a decrease in size or value of the prescribed set of measurements, deflation that is. These two terms are the exact opposite of one another, they are basically antonyms.
They usually refer to the same concept or idea at a given time but highlight the opposite action or end result, that is, the extremes of both situations. Also, note that climbing is a good comparative activity in this connotation because climbers may ascend or descend a mountain slope.
Synonyms for ascending can be a climb, move ahead, increase, inflate, raise, elevate, etc. Synonyms for descending can be, drop, fall, downwards, sink, decrease, deflate, etc.
Comparison Table Between Ascending and Descending
| Parameters of Comparison | Ascending | Descending |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Comes from the word “ascent” | Comes from the word “descent” |
| Definition | To ascend means to rise up or increase in a given situation. | To descend means to fall or go down in a given situation. |
| Direction | The upward mobility of the event. | The downward mobility of the event. |
| Examples | Going from A to B or 1 to 2. | Going from B to A or 2 to 1. |
| Synonyms | Increase, rise, elevate, move ahead, etc. | Downfall, deflate, decrease, drop, sink, etc. |
What does Ascending Mean?
Ascending refers to climbing up or moving ahead in the order prescribed to the characters of the event, or increase in size or inflation of the situation at hand. To ascend in literal terms translates to climb up or rise up. Mountain climbers use the term ‘ascending’ when they are scaling the heights of a cliff or mountain range, which means they are moving upwards.
Ascend also can be used metaphorically in a sentence structure, for example, “The ascent of the human soul from the corporal body”, here it means that the human soul is going up or rising above from the reaches of the tangible human body. Lastly, ‘ascending’ can be used in mathematics to teach children the ascending order of numbers. For example, going 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, this gradual rise in numbers can be termed as ascending order of numbers.
What does Descending Mean?
Descending refers to climbing down or moving downwards in the order prescribed to the characters of an event. It is the downward mobility of the event, or decrease in size or deflation of the situation at hand. To descend in literal terms translates to climb down or fall down. Mountain climbers or airplane pilots or even divers use the term ‘descending’ when they are scaling the depths of a cliff or mountain range or sea, which means they are moving downwards.
For pilots, it can mean the plane is about to land or landing. Descend also can be used metaphorically in a sentence structure, for example, “The descent of angels from the skies on the day of judgement”, here it means that the angels have come down from the sky above to the human world. Lastly, ‘descending’ can be used in mathematics to teach children the descending order of numbers. For example, going 2 to 1, 3 to 2, 4 to 3, this gradual fall in numbers can be termed as descending order of numbers.
Main Differences Between Ascending and Descending
- Ascending comes from the word “ascent” whereas descending comes from the word “descent”.
- To ascend means to rise up or increase in a given situation. To descend means to fall or go down in a given situation.
- The mobility is upward while ascending. The mobility is downwards while descending.
- Example of ascending can be going from A to B or 1 to 2. Example of descending can be going from 2 to 1 or B to A.
- Synonyms of ascending can be climbing, moving ahead, increase, inflate, rise, elevate, etc. Synonyms for descending can be fall, drop, downfall, moving downwards, sink, decrease, deflate, etc.
Conclusion
So now we understand the two very important parameters of mobility. While ascending corresponds to moving up the ladder or moving ahead a set path, descending means moving downwards or moving backwards a set path. The ordering of characters is proportional to the numbers or measurements presented within the group for classification.
They usually refer to the same concept or idea at a given time but highlight the opposite action or end result, that is, the extremes of both situations. Both these words are extensively used in mathematics to teach children the gradual rise and fall in the value of numbers. The words are also used in various other places in various other connotations as you read above in the examples provided. Don’t forget to also use the synonyms of these conventional words to add charm to your language.
References
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/759271/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1344241/