Incommode Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incommode

[ษชnหˆkษ’mษ™สŠd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to disturb

To incommode someone means to cause inconvenience or discomfort to them. This can refer to hindering their progress, making them feel uncomfortable, or imposing on their time and resources. It often has a mild connotation, suggesting that the disturbance is not severe but still noteworthy. The term can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Synonyms

bother, disturb, trouble.

Examples of usage

  • I didn't mean to incommode you by arriving late.
  • The sudden rain incommoded our plans for a picnic.
  • She incommoded her guests by overscheduling their activities.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In 19th-century literature, characters often use 'incommode' to express their disdain when others interrupt their peace.
  • Notable literary figures like Jane Austen used the term to evoke social grievances in her novels.
  • The term often appears in works discussing courtesy and social manners, highlighting etiquette.

Psychology

  • Feeling incommoded often relates to social anxiety, where individuals worry about inconveniencing others.
  • Research shows that being made to feel uncomfortable can affect oneโ€™s decision-making process.
  • This emotion can trigger a fight-or-flight response, compelling people to either confront the discomfort or avoid it.

Pop Culture

  • In modern TV shows, characters express feeling incommoded through humorous misunderstandings โ€“ for instance, when uninvited guests arrive.
  • Comedy sketches often depict scenarios where one person incommodes another, creating an awkward yet funny situation.
  • The term has become less common in everyday language but is sometimes cleverly used in witty dialogue.

Everyday Usage

  • While less common now, some formal settings still use 'incommode' in legal documents to express that an action may disrupt normal proceedings.
  • People might describe being incommoded by unexpected noises or interruptions while working.
  • Though archaic, it remains a useful term for expressing inconvenience in formal writing.

Origin of 'incommode'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'incommodare' which means 'to inconvenience'.
  • It is formed by combining 'in-' (not) and 'commodus' (convenient).
  • Its use dates back to the early 17th century, primarily in legal or formal settings.

The word 'incommode' is derived from the Latin term 'incommodare', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'commodare' means 'to make fit or suitable'. The prefix 'in-' negates the root, emphasizing the idea of causing a lack of convenience or comfort. This term made its way into Middle French as 'incommoder' before being adopted into English in the late 15th century. Historically, 'incommode' has been used in legal and literary contexts to describe situations where one party may create an inconvenience for another party. Though its usage has diminished in modern vernacular, it still appears in formal literature and academic discussions, illustrating the nuances of inconvenience and discomfort. Over time, it has become a somewhat archaic term, often replaced by more common synonyms in everyday language.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,941, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.