Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[BMO]

Incumbent:

How would you explain from its Latin root (in-, on, + cumbere, to lie) to mean an office holder?

Thanks.

bmo

[elinor]

Incumbent:

in = in, into
cumb = bear, lean, lie (down)
cub = lie
ant/ent = denoting an agent or doer


adj.
1. necessary, essential, required, imperative; compulsory, binding, obligatory, mandatory
2. current, present, in office, in power, reigning

n.
holder: bearer, occupant



elinor

[BMO]

Thanks elinor, please see my other post below.

bmo