ascend, ascent, assent

The noun ascent can mean a climb, a high place, advancement or progress; ascend is its verb form.

• Many climbers have died during the ascent of Mt. Everest.
• The hut was visible at the top of the ascent.
• “The ascent of man” refers to the evolutionary changes in human beings.
• This high-speed elevator can ascend from the lobby to the thirtieth floor in one minute.

Assent means giving approval; it is both a noun and a verb.

• Daniel hoped the deputy minister would give her assent to the environmental project.
• He assented to his daughter’s plan of studying in China.