Word of the Day - 01/07/26
incumbent
/ɪn'kəmbənt/(n.): the official who holds an office
The incumbent faced a strong challenge from his opponent in the upcoming election.
(adj.): currently holding an office
The incumbent governor signed the new bill into law.
(adj.): lying or leaning on something else
The heavy snow was incumbent upon the roof, threatening to collapse it.
(adj.): necessary (for someone) as a duty or responsibility; morally binding
It is incumbent upon us to protect the environment for future generations.
Word Origin
The word 'incumbent' originates from the Latin 'incumbens', the present participle of the verb 'incumbere', meaning 'to lean or recline on, lie upon, weigh upon'. This Latin verb is formed from 'in-' (meaning 'on, upon') and 'cumbere' (meaning 'to lie down'). The sense evolved from literally 'lying upon' to 'resting on as a duty or obligation' and then to 'holding an office or position'.
Words with similar origins include 'recumbent' (lying back, from Latin 're-' + 'cumbere'), 'succumb' (to give way to a superior force, from Latin 'sub-' + 'cumbere'), and 'procumbent' (lying face down, from Latin 'pro-' + 'cumbere').