Incentive

//ɪnˈsɛntɪv// adj, noun

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Inciting; encouraging or moving; rousing to action; stimulating.

    "Competency is of all other proportions the most incentive to industry."

  2. 2
    Serving to kindle or set on fire.

    "Part incentive reed / Provide, pernicious with one touch of fire."

Noun
  1. 1
    Something that motivates, rouses, or encourages.

    "I have no incentive to do housework right now."

  2. 2
    a positive motivational influence wordnet
  3. 3
    A bonus or reward, often monetary, to work harder.

    "Management offered the sales team a $500 incentive for each car sold."

  4. 4
    an additional payment (or other remuneration) to employees as a means of increasing output wordnet

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Medieval Latin incentīvus (“that strikes up or sets the tune”), from incinō (“to strike up”), from in- (“in, on”) + canō (“to sing”). The formation appears to have been influenced by incendō (“to set on fire”).

Etymology 2

From Medieval Latin incentīvus (“that strikes up or sets the tune”), from incinō (“to strike up”), from in- (“in, on”) + canō (“to sing”). The formation appears to have been influenced by incendō (“to set on fire”).

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