Which phrase best describes the meaning of "ascendant"?

The phrase "on the rise or increasing in power" accurately reflects the meaning of "ascendant." The term derives from the Latin word "ascendere," which means to climb or rise. It is often used to describe someone or something that is gaining influence, status, or success. For instance, in contexts relating to politics, business, or social trends, something that is ascendant is often viewed as becoming more important or dominant.

The other choices do not connect to the core meaning of "ascendant." While disdainful actions or pleasing sounds might describe various experiences or emotions, they don't relate to the concept of rising influence or power. Similarly, wealth can be a marker of power in some contexts, but it does not encapsulate the notion of ascendance, which is fundamentally about movement upward or advancement. Thus, "on the rise or increasing in power" is the most fitting description of "ascendant."