moral ascendancy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral ascendancy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one person or group has a higher moral standing or influence over another. Example: "In the debate, she maintained a moral ascendancy that swayed the audience's opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Only such a complete intellectual & moral ascendancy could hold me.

The New Yorker

"He has lost the moral ascendancy to govern," he said of Mr. Estrada.

The New York Times

These were soon followed by Odes Modernas (1865), a volume of socially critical poetry that won him an intellectual and moral ascendancy among his fellow students.

Britannica

With Europe virtually depopulated and Christianity reduced to a historical footnote, Buddhists, Muslims, Chinese imperialists, Indian visionaries and autonomous Native Americans vie for military, intellectual and moral ascendancy.

The New York Times - Books

In 2001 the cardinal again supported "people power" to depose President Joseph Estrada, because he had "lost his moral ascendancy to govern".The cardinal, whose father was Chinese and mother part Spanish, grew up to be aware of the dominance of rich families in a poor country.

The Economist

Past and present senior army officers have taken a markedly harder line, with Lord Guthrie calling for a severe penalty and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Houghton, insisting "murder is murder" and that pleas for clemency would "erode the moral ascendancy over our enemies".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

You always have the ascendancy of moral and ethical issues when you have a new range of possibilities".

The New York Times

Yet after years of dominance by the religious right, Trump's victory may inadvertently trigger the ascendancy of a group sometimes called the "moral minority": the religious left.

The Washington Post

Reisz, however, tried to add resonance by adumbrating a system of moral counterbalances between hero and heroine, with the designated victim finally gaining ascendancy over her nemesis.

The Guardian

High growth in incomes, world economic and moral leadership, low growth in university fees and a higher education on the ascendancy, however measured.

Forbes

Gandhi keenly registered the moral and psychological effects of this worldwide destruction of old ways and life styles and the ascendancy of Western cultural, political, and economic norms.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moral ascendancy" when you want to emphasize the superior moral position or influence held by an individual or group, particularly in situations involving leadership, ethics, or societal values.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on abstract nouns like "moral ascendancy" in your writing. Instead, use concrete examples and active verbs to illustrate how this moral superiority manifests in practice and affects real-world outcomes. Show, don't just tell.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral ascendancy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It signifies the state of having a dominant moral position or influence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is used in diverse contexts, from political analysis to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moral ascendancy" is a noun phrase used to describe a position of ethical or principled superiority that confers influence or authority. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It appears most frequently in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing with "moral ascendancy", prioritize clarity and precision. Alternatives include "ethical high ground" or "moral authority", depending on the context. Remember to illustrate its usage with concrete examples to provide a better explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical high ground

Focuses specifically on possessing superior ethics in a situation.

moral high ground

Emphasizes a position of superior morality, similar to "moral ascendancy" but more spatial.

principled leadership

Highlights leadership based on strong principles, implying moral authority.

ethical dominance

Implies a stronger control or influence through ethical behavior.

moral authority

Focuses on having recognized expertise and influence in moral matters.

virtuous influence

Suggests influence that stems from virtuous qualities and actions.

ethical leadership

Highlights leadership guided by strong ethics and values.

righteous standing

Emphasizes a position of being morally correct and justified.

moral preeminence

Indicates a superior position in terms of moral qualities or influence.

spiritual authority

Highlights authority derived from spiritual or moral grounds.

FAQs

How can "moral ascendancy" be used in a sentence?

You might say, "The leader gained "moral ascendancy" by consistently acting with integrity and compassion."

What is an alternative to saying "moral ascendancy"?

Alternatives include "ethical high ground", "moral authority", or "principled leadership", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to have "moral ascendancy"?

To have "moral ascendancy" means to possess a position of recognized ethical or principled superiority that grants influence or authority over others.

How does "moral ascendancy" differ from simple "authority"?

"Authority" is based on power or position, while "moral ascendancy" stems from perceived ethical superiority, suggesting that influence is derived from respect and trust rather than enforced compliance.