incumbent
Definitions
The person who currently holds an office or position
现任者，在职者
Currently holding the office in question
现任的，在职的
(of a duty) imposed as an obligation; necessary
（义务）有责任的，必须承担的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedin- (upon) + cumb (lie) + -ent = 'lying upon.' One image, two uses. A duty that lies upon you is your obligation: it is incumbent on you to act. And the person lying upon — occupying — an office right now is the incumbent. Both senses are about something resting heavily on its seat.
Root cumb still carries 5 more wordsUsage Guide
Two distinct uses. As noun/adjective for office-holders: the incumbent senator, the incumbent. As a formal duty phrase: 'it is incumbent on/upon someone to do something' (= they are obliged to). The duty sense is quite formal and almost always appears in this fixed pattern.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The incumbent mayor is expected to win re-election easily.
- 2.
Challengers always struggle to beat a popular incumbent.
- 3.
It is incumbent on every citizen to vote in this election.