incentive
noun
- something that motivates an individual to perform an action
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsɛntɪv/
adj
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”).
- Inciting; encouraging or moving; rousing to action; stimulating.
“Competency is of all other proportions the most incentive to industry.”
- Serving to kindle or set on fire.
“Part incentive reed / Provide, pernicious with one touch of fire.”
noun
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”).
- Something that motivates, rouses, or encourages.
“I have no incentive to do housework right now.”
“It is tempting to speculate about the incentives or compulsions that might explain why anyone would take to the skies in [the] basket [of a balloon]: perhaps out of a desire to escape the gravity of this world or to get a preview of the next; […].”
- A bonus or reward, often monetary, to work harder.
“Management offered the sales team a $500 incentive for each car sold.”