Definitions
- Referring to a person who currently holds a particular position or office. - Describing a duty or responsibility that is currently assigned to someone. - Talking about something that is necessary as a result of a particular situation or circumstance.
- Describing something that is required by law, rule, or custom. - Referring to a task or action that is necessary or expected in a particular situation. - Talking about something that is mandatory or compulsory.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to something that is required or necessary.
- 2Both words imply a sense of duty or responsibility.
- 3Both words can be used to describe actions or tasks that must be completed.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Incumbent is typically used to describe a person or a duty that is currently assigned, while obligatory is used to describe a requirement or expectation.
- 2Connotation: Incumbent has a neutral connotation, while obligatory can have a negative connotation of being burdensome or unpleasant.
- 3Scope: Incumbent can refer to a wide range of situations, while obligatory is more limited to describing requirements or expectations.
- 4Flexibility: Incumbent can be used to describe a situation that is necessary due to external factors, while obligatory implies a more rigid requirement or expectation.
Remember this!
Incumbent and obligatory are synonyms that both describe something that is required or necessary. However, incumbent is typically used to describe a person or a duty that is currently assigned, while obligatory is used to describe a requirement or expectation. Additionally, incumbent has a neutral connotation and can refer to a wide range of situations, while obligatory can have a negative connotation and is more limited in scope.
