incentive
//ɪnˈsɛntɪv//
Forms
- Plural
- incentives
- Comparative
- more incentive
- Superlative
- most incentive
Definitions
1.Something that motivates, rouses, or encourages.
- I have no incentive to do housework right now.
2.A bonus or reward, often monetary, to work harder.
- Management offered the sales team a $500 incentive for each car sold.
1.Inciting; encouraging or moving; rousing to action; stimulating.
- Competency is of all other proportions the most incentive to industry.
2.Serving to kindle or set on fire.
- Part incentive reed / Provide, pernicious with one touch of fire.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #3112
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
From Medieval Latin incentīvus (“that strikes up or sets the tune”), from incinō (“to strike up”), from in- (“in, on”) + canō (“to sing”) + -ive.
The formation appears to have been influenced by incendō (“to set on fire”).