Incumbrance vs. Encumbrance — What's the Difference?
"Incumbrance" and "Encumbrance" essentially have the same meaning, referring to a burden or obstacle, but "encumbrance" is the more commonly used and accepted spelling.
Difference Between Incumbrance and Encumbrance
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Key Differences
"Incumbrance" is an older and less common variant of "encumbrance," both terms signify a burden or hindrance. "Encumbrance" is more widely recognized and used in modern English.
In legal and financial contexts, both words refer to a claim or lien on property, but "encumbrance" is the preferred term in legal documents and discussions.
"Incumbrance" may appear in older texts, reflecting historical spelling variations. In contemporary usage, "encumbrance" is the standard term for describing a burden or legal liability.
The pronunciation of both words is similar, but the spelling difference might cause confusion, hence the dominance of "encumbrance" in current usage.
Both terms metaphorically describe something that impedes or restricts freedom of action, but "encumbrance" is the term you'll encounter in most modern texts and discussions.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Older, less common form
Modern, widely accepted form
Usage in Legal Texts
Rarely used
Commonly used
Modern Relevance
Largely outdated
Relevant and widely used
Pronunciation
Similar to Encumbrance
Standard pronunciation
Contextual Presence
Mostly in historical texts
Found in contemporary texts
Compare with Definitions
Incumbrance
A liability or obligation.
The legal incumbrance complicated the sale.
Encumbrance
A legal claim on property.
The property had an encumbrance affecting its value.
Incumbrance
A burden or impediment.
The old debts were a serious incumbrance.
Encumbrance
Something that impedes.
Lack of funding was an encumbrance to the project.
Incumbrance
A physical or mental burden.
His injuries were a significant incumbrance.
Encumbrance
A burden or obstruction.
Financial debt is a major encumbrance.
Incumbrance
A claim against property.
The house had several incumbrances.
Encumbrance
A responsibility or hindrance.
The contract posed an encumbrance.
Incumbrance
Something that hinders.
His lack of experience was an incumbrance.
Encumbrance
A barrier to freedom.
Social norms can be an encumbrance to personal expression.
Incumbrance
(property law) An interest, right, burden, or liability attached to a title of land, such as a lien or mortgage.
Encumbrance
An encumbrance is a right to, interest in, or legal liability on property that does not prohibit passing title to the property but that may diminish its value. Encumbrances can be classified in several ways.
Incumbrance
(legal) One who is dependent on another.
A widow without incumbrances (i.e. without children)
Encumbrance
One that encumbers; a burden or impediment.
Incumbrance
A burdensome and troublesome load; anything that impedes motion or action, or renders it difficult or laborious; clog; impediment; hindrance; check.
Encumbrance
A lien or claim on property that diminishes its value or affects transfer of ownership but does not prevent such transfer.
Incumbrance
A burden or charge upon property; a claim or lien upon an estate, which may diminish its value.
Encumbrance
Something that encumbers; a burden that must be carried.
Incumbrance
A charge against property (as a lien or mortgage)
Encumbrance
(legal) To apply an encumbrance to (property, etc.).
Incumbrance
An onerous or difficult concern;
The burden of responsibility
That's a load off my mind
Encumbrance
That which encumbers; a burden which impedes action, or renders it difficult and laborious; a clog; an impediment. See Incumbrance.
Incumbrance
Any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
Encumbrance
Same as Incumbrance.
Encumbrance
An onerous or difficult concern;
The burden of responsibility
That's a load off my mind
Encumbrance
A charge against property (as a lien or mortgage)
Encumbrance
Any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
Common Curiosities
Can both terms be used in legal contexts?
Yes, but encumbrance is the standard in legal use.
Are incumbrance and encumbrance interchangeable?
Yes, but encumbrance is the preferred modern spelling.
Is incumbrance still used today?
Rarely, as encumbrance is more common.
What does encumbrance mean?
A hindrance or legal claim against something.
Can encumbrance refer to financial debts?
Yes, it often describes financial liabilities.
What's an example of a physical incumbrance?
Carrying a heavy backpack.
Is incumbrance found in contemporary writing?
Not usually; encumbrance is more prevalent.
What is an incumbrance?
An older term for a burden or obstacle.
Can encumbrance be positive?
Typically, it's used in a negative context.
How do you pronounce encumbrance?
It's pronounced en-cum-brance.
How does encumbrance affect property sales?
It can lower property value or complicate sales.
Can encumbrance be a mental burden?
Yes, it can refer to mental or emotional hindrances.
Do incumbrance and encumbrance have the same origin?
Yes, they originate from the same root word.
Is incumbrance used in formal documents?
Seldom; encumbrance is the formal term.
Are these terms specific to a field?
They're used broadly but are common in legal and financial fields.
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