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incentive definition

in·cen·tive (in sent′iv)

adjective

stimulating one to take action, work harder, etc.; encouraging; motivating

Etymology: ME < LL incentivum < neut. pp. of L incinere, to sing < in-, in, on + canere, to sing: see chant

noun

something that stimulates one to take action, work harder, etc.; stimulus; encouragement

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

incentive Synonyms

incentive

n.

spur, inducement, motivation, motive, stimulus, stimulation, spring, impetus, catalyst, ground, provocation, enticement, temptation, bait, consideration, determinant, excuse, rationale, goad, prod, whip, urge, impulse, influence, lure, come-on*, allurement, persuasion*, inspiration*, exhortation*, encouragement*, instigation*, incitement*, reason why, carrot*; see also impulse 1, purpose 1, reason 3.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

incentive Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • provide: The freedoms they offer provide a new incentive for all to improve.

Preposition: for

  • householder: Introduce tax breaks, grants and other incentives for householders to install micro-generation systems.

Adjective modifier

  • perverse: There are perverse benefits incentives -- paying more the longer people claim.

Modifies a noun

  • scheme: Lakeside has launched a brand new incentive scheme for coach drivers.

Noun used with modifier

  • tax: Film industry tax incentive will be extended to 2005 at a cost of £ 50 million in 2002.
incentive usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

incentive quotes

The Europeans have scarcely visited any coast, but to gratify avarice, and extend corruption; to arrogate dominion without right, and practice cruelty without incentive† But there isreason to hope†that the light of the gospel will at last illuminate the sands of Africa, and the deserts of America, though its progress cannot but be slow when it is so much obstructed by the lives of Christians.

-Johnson, Samuel known as Dr Johnson

incentive quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"incentive." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/incentive>

APA Style

incentive. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/incentive

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