Incentive definition

ĭn-sĕntĭv

Words form:

Frequency:

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

adjective

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

noun

The definition of incentive is something that makes someone want to do something or work harder.

An example of incentive is extra money offered to those employees who work extra hours on a project.

adjective

Serving to induce or motivate.

An incentive bonus for high productivity.

adjective

Something, such as the fear of punishment or the expectation of reward, that induces action or motivates effort.

noun

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

adjective

Serving to kindle or set on fire.

adjective

A bonus or reward, often monetary, to work harder.

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

noun

Incentive is defined as something that encourages someone to do something or work harder.

An example of incentive is an ice cold beer at the end of a long bike ride.

noun

I have no incentive to do housework right now.

noun

Other Word Forms

Singular:

incentive

Plural:

incentives

Middle English from Late Latin incentīvum from neuter of incentīvus inciting from Latin setting the tune from incentus past participle of incinere to sound in- intensive pref. in–² canere to sing kan- in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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'.

From Wiktionary