incubus - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
incubus Word Meanings
- a male demon believed to lie on sleeping women
- a nightmare or oppressive burden
- a person or thing causing distress or anxiety
incubus Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
incubus Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɪŋkjʊbəs/
US
/ˈɪŋkjəbəs/
incubus Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'in-' (not) + 'cubus' (to lie down). Historical origin: Latin: 'incubare' → Old French → English. Memory image: Picture a male demon pressing down on a sleeping woman, symbolizing a heavy burden.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
A male demon believed to lie on sleeping women, the incubus also extends figuratively to a nightmare or oppressive burden and to anything that causes distress or anxiety. In folklore, the incubus could invade dreams or even produce sleep paralysis. The word comes from Latin incubare “to lie upon,” passing through Old French into English; the memory image is a male demon pressing down on a sleeping person, a vivid symbol of an unseen weight. Learners should note its historical flavor and its use as a figurative sense, not a common everyday term for ordinary stress.
Usage Reminders
- • Incubus is more than a nightmare; it can be a demon or a heavy burden.
- • Distinguish incubus from succubus (the female demon).
- • Use incubus mainly in metaphorical, literary, or historical contexts.
- • Avoid overgeneralizing to all anxiety or sleep issues.
- • Pronounce IN-kyoo-buhs; stress on the first syllable.
Common Misconceptions
- It's exactly like a modern, literal demon haunting someone today.
- It always relates to sexual activity.
- It's interchangeable with sleep paralysis or a nightmare.
- It is commonly used in everyday speech to mean stress.
- The term has no literary or historical roots.
Thinking Differences
Think of incubus as a mythic weight rather than a modern, everyday occurrence. English tends to place it in folklore or metaphor; learners often over-literalize it as a current demon in daily life.
Learning Tips
- Practice pronouncing the word as IN-kyoo-buhs with the stress on the first syllable.
- Differentiate between incubus (demon/weight) and succubus (female demon).
- Use incubus in metaphorical sentences to describe a heavy burden.
- Read folklore references to see historical usage.
- Keep a separate note for its etymology and memory image.
- Endear the word to memory with a vivid image of a demon pressing down.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'incubus'?
A.A type of fruit found in tropical regions
B.A male demon believed to lie on sleeping women
C.A medical condition causing fatigue
D.A kind of flower that blooms at night
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses 'incubus' correctly.
A.The incubus made a delicious dinner for the family.
B.After a long night of sleep, she felt like an incubus had drained her energy.
C.The story told of an incubus that haunted the dreams of the villagers.
D.He looked like an incubus at the Halloween party with his spooky costume.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'incubus'?
A.guardian
B.angel
C.succubus
D.friend
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'incubus'?
A.spirit
B.devil
C.angel
D.ghost
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context in which the term 'incubus' would apply?
A.He often enjoyed hiking in the mountains on weekends.
B.She started a new job and faced numerous challenges as a result.
C.Many people have reported feeling a weight on their chest during sleep, suggesting an incubus is present.
D.The scientist made groundbreaking discoveries in his field.
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