Which word means somebody currently holding an official post?

• A. Incumbent
• B. Accolade
• C. Cognitive
• D. Expiate

Answer: (A)

An incumbent is the person who presently holds an official post. This term is used to describe someone currently serving in a position, especially in politics, such as the incumbent mayor or incumbent president, often highlighted in discussions about elections and whether the person is seeking re-election. The other words don’t fit this idea: an accolade means a praise or award, cognitive relates to mental processes, and expiate means to atone for a wrongdoing. So the term for someone currently in office is incumbent.