Incumbered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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incumbered
[ɪnˈkʌm.bəd ]
Definition
legal, financial
Incumbered describes a situation where something is burdened or held back by limitations or encumbrances. It often applies to properties or assets that have liabilities attached, such as debts, liens, or legal obligations. An incumbered asset may not be easily sold or transferred because these burdens must be resolved first. In legal terms, it indicates that the asset is not free from claims. Understanding whether an item is incumbered is crucial in financial transactions.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The property was incumbered by a substantial mortgage.
- She inherited an incumbered estate that required maintenance fees.
- Before selling, he had to disclose the incumbered status of the land.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Usage
- The term has been used since the late 15th century to denote a state of being hindered or burdened, often in legal or financial contexts.
- Old texts often describe obligations or debts as being incumbered, emphasizing the weight of responsibility.
- In historical discussions around land ownership, 'incumbered' referred to properties that were burdened by debts or liens.
Psychology
- Feeling incumbered can lead to stress and anxiety, making individuals feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities.
- The act of feeling weighted down can affect decision-making, as burdens can cloud judgment.
- Many therapeutic approaches aim to help individuals manage their feelings of being incumbered by breaking down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable parts.
Pop Culture
- In various films, characters often feel incumbered by their past or relationships, illustrating how burdens affect their choices.
- Songs about personal struggle often mention feeling incumbered by life's challenges, creating a relatable emotion for listeners.
- The concept has appeared in literature, portraying characters that must overcome their burdens to achieve personal growth or freedom.
Literature
- In classic literature, protagonists frequently face incumbered journeys, reflecting a physical and emotional struggle in their narratives.
- Authors use the term to express a character's internal conflict, showcasing how burdens shape their actions and decisions.
- Dramatic irony often arises when a character's incumbrance is misunderstood by others, enriching narrative complexity.
Origin of 'incumbered'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'incumbere', which means 'to lie upon' or 'to weigh down'.
- It is a combination of 'in-' (meaning 'on' or 'in') and 'cumbere' (which means 'to lie down').
- The root 'cumb' is found in several languages, indicating a state of lying down or resting, related to various words meaning 'to burden'.
The term 'incumbered' comes from the Middle English word 'encumben,' which originates from the Latin word 'incumbere.' The Latin term is a combination of 'in-' meaning 'upon' and 'cumbere,' meaning 'to lie down.' This etymology reflects the idea of something lying heavily upon or weighing down another. Over centuries, the term has been adapted into various forms, including 'encumbered,' which we frequently use in modern English. The legal context of the term has also evolved, particularly in property and finance, where it denotes the presence of burdens or restrictions on ownership. In contemporary usage, being incumbered typically relates to financial liabilities or legal claims affecting assets, making the term quite relevant in discussions about real estate and financial planning.