Incumbent Meaning and Definition
Incumbent
Pronunciation
/ɪnˈkʌmbənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person holding a formal or elected position, especially an office or title, which they retain or have held for some time.
Etymology
The word “Incumbent” comes from the Latin “incumbere”, meaning “to lie upon”, and was first used in the 15th century to describe someone holding an office or position.
Usage Notes
The term “Incumbent” is often used to describe officials, politicians, or business leaders who have held a position for some time.
Cultural References
The term has been featured in various TV shows and movies, such as “The West Wing” and “House of Cards”, to describe politicians and their roles.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- The incumbent senator faced a tough re-election campaign.
Related Words or Phrases
- Officeholder
- Senator
- Official
Collocations
- Incumbent president
- Outgoing incumbent
- Current incumbent
Frequency of Use
The word “Incumbent” is commonly used in formal and informal settings to describe individuals holding office or positions.
Common Misspellings
- Incommenent
- Incumbint