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Meaning of Word:

Incumbent refers to a person currently holding a specific position, office, or responsibility. It can also describe a duty or responsibility that is imposed on someone.

Definitions and Meaning in English:

• Incumbent (noun): A person who currently holds an office or position, especially in the context of politics or business.
• Incumbent (adjective): Describing a duty or responsibility that is currently required of someone or something, or indicating the current holder of a position.

History and Origin:

The word incumbent comes from the Latin incumbere, meaning “to lie on,” or “to lie upon,” from in- meaning “upon” and cumbere meaning “to lie down.” Originally, it referred to someone who had the responsibility or duty of something, and over time, it evolved to describe a person holding a particular position, especially in an official capacity.

Detailed Explanation:

When used as a noun, incumbent refers to a person currently holding a particular office or role, particularly in politics or leadership. For example, an incumbent mayor is the current mayor in office. In a broader sense, it can also refer to someone holding any position of responsibility, such as an incumbent manager or CEO. As an adjective, incumbent indicates a responsibility or duty that falls upon someone. For example, “It is incumbent upon the manager to ensure that all tasks are completed on time.” In the political arena, incumbency often refers to the advantage held by someone already in office during an election, as they tend to have more recognition and resources compared to challengers.

Example Sentences:

1. The incumbent president is running for re-election this year.
2. It is incumbent on all employees to follow the new safety protocols.
3. The incumbent senator will face a tough challenge in the upcoming election.
4. The incumbent CEO announced a new strategic plan for the company.
5. It is incumbent upon the committee to review the proposal before the meeting.
6. The incumbent mayor has been in office for over a decade and plans to run again.
7. As the incumbent, he has the experience to handle the pressure of the job.
8. The responsibility of managing the budget is incumbent on the finance team.
9. The incumbent administration faced numerous challenges during its tenure.

Synonyms with Short Explanation:

1. Holder – Refers to the person who occupies or possesses a particular role or office.
2. Officeholder – A person who currently holds a public office or position.
3. Occupant – A person who occupies a particular position or role, especially in a formal or official capacity.
4. Current – Referring to someone or something that is in the present time or in the current state of affairs.
5. Tenure – The period during which someone holds a particular position or office.

Related Words with Short Explanation:

1. Position – A role or status held by someone, often in a professional or official context.
2. Authority – The power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience, often associated with the role of an incumbent.
3. Responsibility – A duty or obligation, which an incumbent is often tasked with in a particular role.
4. Leadership – The action of leading a group or organization, often associated with being an incumbent in positions of power.
5. Election – A process through which incumbents may be re-elected or replaced in office.

More Matches with Short Explanation:

1. Re-election – The act of voting someone back into office, often involving an incumbent.
2. Campaign – The effort made by an incumbent or challenger to secure a position in office.
3. Predecessor – A person who previously held a position before the incumbent took over.
4. Successor – A person who will take over a role or office from the incumbent.
5. Political office – A position in government that an incumbent holds, such as mayor, senator, or president.

Antonyms:

1. Challenger – A person who competes against the incumbent, especially in elections or competitions.
2. Outsider – A person who is not part of the current group or in an official position, opposite of an incumbent.
3. Predecessor – Someone who held a particular position before the incumbent.
4. Ex-officio – Refers to someone who holds a position by virtue of another office or role, often implying they are not the incumbent.
5. Newcomer – A person who is new to a position or office, contrasting with the experience of an incumbent.