Encumbent vs. Incumbent — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on October 13, 2023
"Encumbent" is a misspelling. The correct term is "Incumbent," which typically refers to a person currently holding an office or position.
Which is correct: Encumbent or Incumbent
How to spell Incumbent?
Encumbent
Incorrect Spelling
Incumbent
Correct Spelling
Difference Between Encumbent and Incumbent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Think of "in" as being currently "in" office.
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Oct 13, 2023
"In-cum-bent" resembles "in-come-bent" – the bend towards retaining a position.
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Oct 13, 2023
"In" indicates a current state, fitting for someone currently in a position.
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Oct 13, 2023
"Encumbent" might sound like "encumber" but relates to officeholders.
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Oct 13, 2023
Relate "Incumbent" to its use in politics.
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Definitions
Incumbent
A person currently holding a particular office or position.
The incumbent mayor is seeking re-election.
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Incumbent
Lying or resting on something else.
Clouds incumbent upon the mountaintop.
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Incumbent
Necessary as a duty or responsibility.
It is incumbent on students to attend classes.
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Oct 02, 2023
Incumbent
Imposed as an obligation or duty; obligatory
Felt it was incumbent on us all to help.
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Sep 30, 2023
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Incumbent
A person who holds an office or ecclesiastical benefice
The incumbent was reelected to another term.
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Incumbent
(Used with "on" or "upon") Imposed on someone as an obligation, especially due to one's office.
Proper behavior is incumbent on all holders of positions of trust.
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Incumbent
Resting on something else; in botany, said of anthers when lying on the inner side of the filament, or of cotyledons when the radicle lies against the back of one of them
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Incumbent
(zoology) Bent downwards so that the ends touch, or rest on, something else.
The incumbent toe of a bird
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Incumbent
Being the current holder of an office or a title.
If the incumbent senator dies, he is replaced by a person appointed by the governor.
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Incumbent
The current holder of an office, such as ecclesiastical benefice or an elected office.
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Incumbent
(business) A holder of a position as supplier to a market or market segment that allows the holder to earn above-normal profits.
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Incumbent
Lying; resting; reclining; recumbent; superimposed; superincumbent.
Two incumbent figures, gracefully leaning upon it.
To move the incumbent load they try.
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Incumbent
Lying, resting, or imposed, as a duty or obligation; obligatory; always with on or upon.
All men, truly zealous, will perform those good works that are incumbent on all Christians.
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Incumbent
Leaning or resting; - said of anthers when lying on the inner side of the filament, or of cotyledons when the radicle lies against the back of one of them.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Incumbent
Bent downwards so that the ends touch, or rest on, something else; as, the incumbent toe of a bird.
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Sep 30, 2023
Incumbent
A person who is in present possession of a benefice or of any office.
The incumbent lieth at the mercy of his patron.
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Incumbent
Lying or leaning on something else;
An incumbent geological formation
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Incumbent
Relating to or the responsibilities of an office or position.
It's incumbent upon us to make the right decision.
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Oct 02, 2023
FAQs
Why is it called Incumbent?
The term originates from Latin "incumbere," meaning "to lay upon" or "to be incumbent upon," reflecting duties or obligations.
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Oct 13, 2023
What is the verb form of Incumbent?
There isn't a widely accepted verb form of "Incumbent."
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Oct 13, 2023
What is the root word of Incumbent?
Derived from the Latin "incumbere," meaning "to lay upon."
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Which conjunction is used with Incumbent?
No specific conjunction is tied exclusively to "incumbent."
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Oct 13, 2023
Is Incumbent a vowel or consonant?
"Incumbent" is a word, not a single letter.
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Oct 13, 2023
What is the first form of Incumbent?
The word "Incumbent" doesn't have verb forms.
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How is Incumbent used in a sentence?
"The incumbent senator has been in office for two terms."
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Oct 13, 2023
Is the word “Incumbent” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can be either, depending on the sentence structure.
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Oct 13, 2023
Is the Incumbent term a metaphor?
No, but it can be used metaphorically in non-political contexts.
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Oct 13, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
