Incentive Definition
ĭn-sĕntĭv
incentives
noun
incentives
Something that stimulates one to take action, work harder, etc.; stimulus.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
adjective
Serving to induce or motivate.
An incentive bonus for high productivity.
American Heritage
Stimulating one to take action, work harder, etc.; encouraging, motivating, etc.
Webster's New World
Serving to kindle or set on fire.
Wiktionary
Other Word Forms of Incentive
Noun
Singular:
incentive
Plural:
incentivesOrigin of Incentive
-
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
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