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Incumbent: meaning, definitions and examples

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incumbent

 

[ ษชnหˆkสŒm.bษ™nt ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

current holder

An incumbent is a person who currently holds a specific public office or position, particularly in a political context. This designation includes individuals serving in roles such as mayor, governor, or president. Incumbents often seek reelection or reappointment during their term. Their position allows them to wield influence and grant advantages in campaigns due to their established presence and experience.

Synonyms

current officeholder, holder, officeholder

Examples of usage

  • The incumbent mayor decided to run for a second term.
  • During the election, the incumbent faced significant opposition.
  • It is often challenging for an incumbent to maintain their position amidst changing voter sentiments.
Context #2 | Adjective

currently holding office

The term incumbent can also describe something that is mandatory or required, but it is most commonly associated with individuals holding office. This adjective indicates the current status of an individual who occupies a specific position, thus highlighting their authority and responsibility. Incumbent officials are often expected to fulfill their duties and responsibilities effectively during their term.

Synonyms

current, existing, in office

Examples of usage

  • The incumbent president implemented several reforms during his administration.
  • She has many responsibilities as the incumbent representative.
  • Policies proposed by the incumbent government have sparked debate.

Translations

Translations of the word "incumbent" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น titular

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเคฐเฅเคคเคฎเคพเคจ เคงเคพเคฐเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Amtsinhaber

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ petahana

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะพัั‚ั€ะพะบะพะฒะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ubiegajฤ…cy siฤ™

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็พ่ทใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท incumbent

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ titular

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gรถrevdeki

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์žฌ์ง์ž

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุญุงู„ูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dosavadnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ รบradujรบci

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็Žฐไปป่€…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ trenutni

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sittandi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐะทั–ั€ะณั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒ›แƒแƒ•แƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hazฤฑrkฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ titular

Etymology

The word 'incumbent' originates from the Latin term 'incumbens', which is the present participle of 'incumbere', meaning 'to lie upon' or 'to rest on'. The roots of 'incumbere' are derived from 'in-' meaning 'on' and 'cumbere', meaning 'to lie down'. Its use in English can be traced back to the late 15th century, initially in reference to ecclesiastical offices. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of contexts, especially in politics and governance. The transition reflects both the physical sense of holding a position and the metaphorical sense of bearing responsibility.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,700 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.