Incentive

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪnˈsÉ›ntɪv/
• Rhymes: -É›ntɪv

Origin

From Medieval Latin incentivus ("that strikes up or sets the tune"), from incinere ("to strike up"), from in ("in, on") + canere ("to sing"). The formation appears to have been influenced by incendere ' to set on fire'.

Full definition of incentive

Noun

1. Something that motivates, rouses, or encourages.
• 2013-06-07, David Simpson, Fantasy of navigation, It is tempting to speculate about the incentives or compulsions that might explain why anyone would take to the skies in the basket a balloon: perhaps out of a desire to escape the gravity of this world or to get a preview of the next; ….
2. I have no incentive to do housework right now.
3. A bonus or reward, often monetary, to work harder.
   Management offered the sales team a $500 incentive for each car sold.

Antonyms

• disincentive

Derived terms

• incentivise/incentivize, tax incentive

Adjective

1. Inciting; encouraging or moving; rousing to action; stimulating.
• Dr. H. MoreCompetency is the most incentive to industry.
2. Serving to kindle or set on fire.
• MiltonPart incentive reed
  Provide, pernicious with one touch of fire.